Luke Jackson’s future at Fremantle has been thrown into doubt following fresh reports that he may request a trade back to Melbourne at the end of the 2025 AFL season. Despite being contracted until 2029, the 22-year-old ruck-forward is said to be considering a move due to off-field issues that have recently come to light.
The reports mark a dramatic shift for Jackson, who joined the Dockers in a high-profile move from the Demons in 2023. Just weeks ago, Jackson publicly dismissed trade speculation as “rubbish,” reaffirming his commitment to Fremantle and expressing his love for the club. However, a string of on-field and off-field challenges appears to be reshaping that narrative.
Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir has stood by Jackson, backing the ruck pairing of Jackson and Sean Darcy despite criticism over the effectiveness of the combination. The club has continued to tinker with the ruck split, especially following Jackson’s return from a hamstring injury that sidelined him for several weeks in April.
Adding fuel to the speculation, Melbourne captain Max Gawn made pointed comments suggesting a growing trend of Western Australian players returning home before eventually heading back to Victoria. This has been interpreted by many as a thinly veiled reference to Jackson.
The timing of the rumours couldn’t be worse for Fremantle, which is already under internal pressure following inconsistent performances and growing scrutiny over Longmuir’s coaching tenure. Media criticism has intensified, with calls for greater clarity in game strategy and more decisive leadership.
While Jackson’s situation remains officially unchanged, the momentum behind a possible return to Melbourne appears to be building. With five years left on his contract, any potential move would be complicated, but not impossible in the modern AFL trade environment.
Whether Jackson truly wants out or is merely a high-profile name caught in the swirl of media and club politics, one thing is certain: Fremantle’s season now carries even more weight—for the club, the coach, and one of their most valuable players.
