Fremantle Dockers ruck Luke Jackson says Sean Darcy partnership strongest it’s ever been

Fremantle big man Luke Jackson says his partnership with Sean Darcy has never been better as he looks to add more of an on-ball aspect to the pair’s dynamic.

Jackson played roles in the ruck, up forward and roving through the contest in the backend of Fremantle’s 2025 campaign, his versatility pivotal to the club’s return to finals.

And the man dubbed ‘The Unicorn’ believes he can play an even larger role as an inside midfielder in 2026 with another preseason of work under his belt.

“I think I learned a lot this year, especially the inside mid stuff,” he told Channel Ten on Monday.

“I feel like being around the ball is where I play my most natural game. Everyone knows I love playing in the ruck position, but also inside mid. I’ve learnt so much, and I feel like that can only help my game going forward.

“I feel like this year’s the best (the Darcy partnership has) worked. I think the continuity with both of us playing together was the best it’s been.

“There were a few games there where we kind of wore down the opponent and got the edge in the fourth quarter, so hopefully we can keep building on it and help the team going forward.”

Fremantle were poised for a deep September run after earning a home final and drawing a record crowd in the first week of September.

However, the Dockers were left shattered by a heartbreaking one-point defeat to finals newbies Gold Coast.

In a game that had it all, Fremantle were left to ponder what ifs as David Swallow, in what proved to be his penultimate AFL match, sealed the victory with a golden behind with only nine seconds remaining in the contest.

Jackson said while the loss cut deeply, he was confident the group had plenty of growth and improvement ahead of them.

“The Gold Coast are a great side and they played great all day, but I’m definitely disappointed with the way we went out,” he said.

“We’re still a young team, not that that’s an excuse, but I feel we’ve got developing to do still.

“I feel like the way we’ve closed out games this year, that’s been a big stepping stone for us.”