Fremantle superstar Luke Jackson was again instrumental in a September victory for his Dockers, taking the points in a massive battle with Swan Brodie Grundy in a tight preliminary final.
Jackson's physicality set the tone early, and he clearly relished the "mano a mano" nature of the ruck position.
Speaking to broadcaster Fox Footy after his side punched their ticket to the second grand final berth in their history, and first in 13 years, Jackson recounted the battle.
“I love going up against the best, and “Brodes” is obviously up there," Jackson said.
"He's been one of the best rucks in the comp for 10 years now. He's someone that, when I came into the AFL, I tried to pick parts of his game to add to mine, and I said to him after the game, “I love going up against you, mate, I look up to you a lot.” He's a great player, and I love those battles.”
Grundy appeared to be gaining ascendancy in the middle frames of the modern classic, with pundit Jack Riewoldt asking Jackson if he was worried his early, fire-starting tactics would come home to roost.
“I wasn't worried at all," Jackson answered.
"It's all fun and games. That physicality side of it gets me into the game, and it definitely started that way. (I'm) glad I could have an impact.”
The play of midfield colleagues Hayden Young and Shai Bolton, particularly late, was a major catalyst for the famous come-from-behind victory, with Jackson praising both men. The former Demon and 2021 premiership player showered the latter with the title of one of his "favourite ever teammates".
“I don't think there's another player out there like “Bolts”, to be honest," Jackson said.
"You can chuck him in the middle for two minutes and he can change the momentum of the game, and he had some impact up forward as well, taking some crucial marks. That's why you get players like that to your footy club - to add a point of difference.
"He's up there with (sic) one of my favourite teammates - I love playing with him."
Meanwhile, the incredible set shot steered home by Young after the three-quarter-time siren was a crucial moment in the contest, and one that will go down in Dockers lore if they can muster one more win this season.
Hayden Young produces something special AFTER the three-quarter time siren 🔔#AFLFinals pic.twitter.com/mWOhyX8KaO
— AFL (@AFL) September 18, 2026
Jackson never doubted his special teammate.
“It's unbelievable. I think “Youngy” is one of the best kicks in the comp, and probably the best kick at our club. I had no doubt he was going to go back and slot that. The boys were celebrating hard after that, and it really gave us momentum.”
Jackson and his Dockers will face the winner of Brisbane vs Hawthorn in the 2026 AFL Grand Final.
