Source :- PERTH NOW NEWS
Fremantle superstar Luke Jackson has returned to the top three on the leaderboard of the AFL Coaches Association award after receiving maximum votes for his stunning performance in the Dockers’ win over Geelong.
Jackson was recognised by both coaching panels as the best player afield for a stunning 28-disposal, 25 hit-out, three-goal effort which inspired his side to a nine-point win over the Cats.
He figures behind only Collingwood tyro Nick Daicos (83 votes) and Western Bulldogs legend Marcus Bontempelli (78) in the race for the prestigious award, with the latter having played one extra game ahead of his team’s bye this weekend. The top five is rounded out by Sydney’s Isaac Heeney (69) and Geelong’s Max Holmes (65).
Across his past six games, Jackson has received top marks from both coaches in three, with Thursday night’s effort coming on the back of 10-vote performances against Hawthorn in round nine and North Melbourne in round 13.
Earlier in the season, he claimed nine votes against both Collingwood at Gather Round and Carlton in round seven.
Jackson’s midfield running mate Shai Bolton has been as high as sixth on the leaderboard this season, but has only managed one vote across his last four games despite continuing a brilliant season.
No Fremantle player has ever claimed the prize voted on by the coaches, which was split between Geelong’s Bailey Smith and Gold Coast’s Noah Anderson last year.
Jackson’s form has even seen him emerge as a contender for the Brownlow Medal, which has not been won by a lead ruckman since Footscray’s Scott Wynd in 1992.
Former Adelaide captain Rory Sloane has even hailed the 199cm ‘Unicorn’ as the most complete player in the AFL.
“He’s good enough to (win the Brownlow),“ Sloane told the Sunday Footy Show.
“But I don’t think people value him enough. He’s so good, he’s an absolute shoo-in for All-Australian.
“He’s in ripping form and a big reason the Dockers are going so well, and they are hard to match up against.”
