‘I’m only human’: Fremantle star Jackson dreaming of Dockers’ maiden flag

Source : ABC NEWS

Luke Jackson has already been to the top of the AFL mountain. 

In just his second season, the ruckman was part of the Melbourne side that ended a 57-year premiership drought.

He has not forgotten what that was like, and is desperate to deliver Fremantle’s first-ever AFL crown.

“I’m a WA boy, grew up here. I supported Freo when I was a kid,” Jackson said as the Dockers started preparations for a qualifying final against Hawthorn next Thursday night.

“I was in and around Freo my whole life so I’m very determined to get there. 

“I know it’s going to be a lot of hard work, but if anyone can do it, it’s the people at this club.”

Fremantle has already produced a historic season, winning a club-record 14 consecutive games on the way to recording more wins in a single season than ever before.

The Dockers finished two games clear of Sydney at the top of the ladder, earning two home finals and the double-chance.

With almost no injury concerns, and having beaten every side in the competition, Fremantle are rightfully among the favourites for the premiership.

Jackson has allowed himself to imagine lifting the cup, despite coach Justin Longmuir’s best efforts to keep the playing squad focused on the task at hand.

“I personally let myself dream a little bit. I’m only human,” he said.

“You definitely think about those things.

“JL (Longmuir) has been amazing. Ever since I’ve been at Freo, that’s probably been his biggest strength, I reckon, is helping us stay in the moment.

“He is very process-driven and yeah, makes it very clear for us week to week. We know the job this week and then obviously next week heading into Thursday.”

All Australian cherished

Jackson produced an incredible 2025 which saw him win 17 Brownlow Medal votes, but he was overlooked for the All Australian side.

He took his game to another level in 2026, in which he produced career highs in disposals, goals, hit outs, tackles, clearances and contested possessions.

He was also named in the All Australian side for the first time, alongside teammates Josh Treacy, Shai Bolton, Murphy Reid and Jordan Clark.

“You obviously don’t play to get All Australians, but to be recognised by high-level people in the game and be up there with the best players, it’s something I cherish,” Jackson said.

But while he’s happy to be recognised for his performance this year, Jackson has his eye on a bigger prize.

“What everyone plays for, what everyone wants, is obviously the flag. And at Freo, we’re very determined to be that first group that can do it [for the club],” he said.

“I think those things just come along the way, the All Australians and stuff like that, when you put in the work and play well. But the main goal is the premiership.”

Jackson was named in the AA team alongside his former mentor and Melbourne great, Max Gawn, who claimed a record ninth blazer.

For Jackson, it is something to aspire to.

“I had the privilege of playing with Maxie early on, my first three years at Melbourne,” he said.

“He taught me heaps as well in that ruck position and to see him still going as strong as he is now, it’s definitely something you look up to.

“It’s the consistency with Maxie I think is unreal. He might have had his best season yet.

“Personally, I look up to him and hopefully I can keep playing consistent footy like that in the years to come.”

For now though, Jackson’s focus is simple — delivering a historic premiership to the Purple Army.