Walyalup (Fremantle) coach Justin Longmuir has backed star ruckman Luke Jackson to remain a Docker and stick to his long-term contract despite swirling rumours that he is destined to seek a trade back to Victoria this off-season, specifically his former club Melbourne.
While the original reporting on the scenario was made over a month ago by 7News' Mitch Cleary, a fresh update from The West Australian last week suggested that a Jackson move was "expected" to happen and that the 23-year-old premiership Demon has had "significant off-field issues" in WA, being a leading cause for a potential move.
While Jackson has only spoken publicly about remaining in purple, the rumours had continued to stain Fremantle's preparation ahead of Saturday's GWS clash.
However, off the back of a starring display by Jackson in a major ruck role while fellow ruckman Sean Darcy sits out with injury, the Dockers claimed a stirring away victory against the Giants to get their season back on track.
Longmuir said post-game that Jackson's ability to push through the off-field commentary and deliver a strong display was credit to his maturity as he navigates what will likely be an ongoing narrative until the off-season.
"He's been back page of the paper a lot. Imagine how many phone calls and how many people want to talk to him about what's going on, but he's able to push it aside, push those distractions aside, come to the club, get to work, be a great teammate, work on his game, and you saw that ability tonight," Longmuir said.
"He had a great week of preparation. I think, to be honest, from my discussions with him, he's a bit confused where it all comes from. Never has he said anything bar he wants to be a Fremantle player and these headlines keep popping up, and people from other clubs keep fueling them.
"So until he comes to me asking for a trade, I won't be concerned."
Jackson recorded a game-high 32 hitouts, as well as 21 disposals and six score involvements in his best game since returning from a short hiatus due to injury between Rounds 5 to 7.
Longmuir praised Jackson's ruck craft against two bigger bodies in Kieren Briggs and Jake Riccardi, who managed the ruck load for GWS on Saturday.
"I thought Luke used his athleticism in the ruck contest and what he does around the ground... not many rucks in the comp can bring that," Longmuir said.
"He's a real weapon for us, and clearly showed real maturity to be able to put the week behind him and focus on his footy and play that way. Shows real maturity."
The Dockers take on Yartapuulti (Port Adelaide) in Round 11 at home in a prime opportunity to improve their record back to a positive win-loss ratio. Jackson's role will be a curious watch after his dominant ruck display on Saturday, as Sean Darcy is likely to make a return from his knee concern next weekend.
