A new club has reportedly entered the mix for contracted Fremantle ruckman Luke Jackson, who has been flagged as a potential trade target for Victorian clubs this year.
While Jackson is signed to the Dockers until the end of the 2029 season, his name has been raised in trade speculation as a player who is pondering his future in Western Australia.
Having moved to Perth from Melbourne at the end of 2022, the 23-year-old could have his head turned and move back to Victoria, with his former club, the Demons, viewed as the most likely home for Jackson if he was to depart.
Speaking on theย Tradesย podcast, reporter Sam McClure named Geelong as a club assessing Jackson's situation, and could make a play for the star ruckman.
While conceding the Cats aren't viewed as the most likely landing spot for Jackson, McClure said the Kardinia Park club is "lurking" given his partner, Kelsey Browne, has family in the Geelong area.
"I want put this on the table early; The chances of him getting to Geelong are probably slim," he said.
"But his partner Kelsey, her family is from down that way. That is where they have spent the bye week. Geelong are aware of the family connections.
"Luke Jackson is on a lot of money, so that deal would have to be carried over into his new contract.
"Andrew Mackie, their head of footy, would be hard pressed convincing Chris Scott to pay that sort of money for Jackson. Having said that, if he made it known he wants to play for Geelong, then it changes the conversation a little bit.
"It's something to watch... I still think he's a good chance to stay at Freo, given the deal. I'd have Melbourne favourite, Fremantle second favourite and Geelong lurking."
Jackson has shot down suggestions he could leave Fremantle just three years into his tenure in purple, expressing his desire to see out his deal with the Dockers.
Melbourne have stated they would be open to speaking with Jackson if he was keen to move back to Victoria, however the Demons lack the required draft capital to appease the Dockers.
Star small forward Kysaiah Pickett could be a trade piece the Dockers have interest in, with the Demons unlikely to place the contracted livewire on the trade table.
