In a dramatic and emotional twist that has rocked the AFL community, Fremantle Dockers General Manager of Football, Joe Brierty, alongside head coach Justin Longmuir and CEO Simon Garlick, have made the tough call to **decline a trade request** from star ruck-forward **Luke Jackson** to return to his former club, Melbourne.
The 23-year-old, who made the move west in a blockbuster trade at the end of 2022, had reportedly expressed a **strong personal desire** to return to Victoria, citing family reasons and a growing struggle with homesickness. Jackson’s request came as a shock to many within the club and the wider football world, especially after what many viewed as a successful stint in purple.
But after internal discussions involving the football department and Fremantle’s leadership group, the Dockers have **formally declined the request**, saying Jackson is **”a vital pillar of the club’s future”** and still under a long-term contract.
“This is not a decision we took lightly,” said Garlick in a solemn press conference held at Fremantle HQ on Thursday morning. “We understand and respect Luke’s feelings and the challenges of being away from home. But we have a responsibility to our members, our players, and our direction as a club. Luke is integral to our long-term strategy, both on and off the field.”
Jackson, who was visibly emotional as he arrived at training this week, has not made a public statement. However, sources close to the player revealed that **the rejection has hit him hard**, with growing concerns inside the club about how the decision might affect his mental health and performance.
“The emotional toll has been heavy,” one teammate shared anonymously. “Luke’s one of the hardest workers in the group. Everyone loves him. But you can see the weight he’s carrying.”
The 2021 premiership player was lured to Fremantle in a high-stakes move that cost the Dockers multiple draft picks, including a first-rounder. Since then, he’s shown flashes of brilliance, playing in various roles and forming a dynamic tandem with Sean Darcy. But despite his on-field value, **Jackson’s heart has never fully settled in the west**, insiders say.
Some fans have reacted with empathy, calling for the club to reconsider. “Family comes first,” one supporter wrote on social media. “You can’t put a price on mental well-being.” Others, however, have backed the club’s decision, highlighting the need to stick to a rebuild plan that includes Jackson as a key piece.
This saga now leaves Jackson in a difficult position: a player who no longer wants to be at a club that is unwilling to let him go. And while trade windows and contracts provide structure, **there is no playbook for heartbreak** — for either side.
Whether the situation can be repaired remains to be seen. But for now, the message from Fremantle is clear: **Luke Jackson is not for trade** — even if his heart is elsewhere.
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