Fremantle senior coach Justin Longmuir has broken his silence in the most definitive fashion yet, declaring that the acquisition of Luke Jackson marks not just a win on the trade table—but the start of a new era for the Dockers.
In an exclusive post-trade report to The West, Longmuir outlined three key areas where Jackson’s arrival has already reshaped the Fremantle Football Club, both on and off the field. His comments come after months of media speculation and a flurry of public interest surrounding Jackson’s impact, role clarity, and future amid rumours of unrest. But Longmuir left no doubt: Jackson is not just a recruit—he’s a pillar.
1. Position Versatility – The New Hybrid Benchmark
Jackson’s ability to shift between ruck, forward, and even midfield has redefined how Fremantle approaches its team structure.
“Luke gives us something few players can—true versatility. He’s not just a backup ruckman or a pinch-hitting forward. He’s a genuine hybrid who can shape a game in three different ways,” Longmuir said.
Jackson’s presence has allowed the Dockers to rotate their talls more fluidly, giving Sean Darcy greater flexibility and reducing wear and tear. With Jackson’s athleticism and footy IQ, Longmuir hinted that Fremantle is designing systems that play to his strengths—systems that could soon become the blueprint for the club’s identity moving forward.
2. Cultural Reset – Young Leadership, Big Standards
Longmuir was equally emphatic about Jackson’s off-field influence, particularly among the younger core of the team.
“Luke brought professionalism with him straight away—despite his age. Coming from a premiership club, he knew what elite standards looked like. That’s rubbed off on everyone from our first-year draftees to our senior players.”
The Dockers have invested heavily in youth over the last five seasons, and Jackson’s arrival served as a catalyst for higher expectations. Alongside players like Caleb Serong and Andrew Brayshaw, Jackson has been identified as a future leadership figure, and Longmuir confirmed he is already in the club’s long-term leadership development group.
3. Trade Power Shift – Fremantle as a Destination Club
Perhaps most significantly, Longmuir sees Jackson’s high-profile move as a symbolic turning point for Fremantle’s perception league-wide.
“For years, WA clubs—especially us—were seen as places players left, not joined. Luke changed that. He chose us, backed our vision, and now others are watching.”
Longmuir revealed that since Jackson’s arrival, the club has received more interest from interstate free agents and trade targets, encouraged by the belief that Fremantle is now a legitimate contender with a serious development program.
Bottom Line: Fremantle’s Future Starts Now
Jackson’s performance will continue to draw scrutiny, especially as the Dockers aim to return to finals contention. But Longmuir’s message is crystal clear: this trade wasn’t just about one player—it was about setting a new standard.
“Luke represents where we’re going as a club. Aggressive. Ambitious. United.”
In the eyes of Justin Longmuir—and increasingly, the AFL world—Fremantle is no longer building. Fremantle has arrived.
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