Melbourne Demons coach Simon Goodwin says Luke Jackson will be given time to make decision over future

Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin says out-of-contract ruckman Luke Jackson will be granted time to decide his future, but hopes the WA product will remain with the Demons. Goodwin repeatedly cited Jackson’s achievements and the fact he was taken with pick 3 in the 2019 national draft, in what could be viewed as drawing battle lines ahead of a potentially ugly trade war should he request a move home to Fremantle or West Coast. “Luke’s just going through a process with his management and the club and looking at all his various options,” Goodwin said. “He’s an incredibly talented player. He’s pick 3 in the draft. He’s played 50 games. He’s been involved in a premiership. “This will play out in its due course. We’re really hopeful, based on Luke’s attitude towards his footy club and his team, that he’ll want to be a part of the Melbourne footy club for a long time to come. “There’s no rush to get this answer out of Luke. He needs time to make his decision and we’ll give him the time he needs.” While the Dockers are widely viewed to have a brighter future than the Eagles after West Coast announced their intention to begin a rebuild, Jackson would likely be required to play the forward/ruck role in support of Sean Darcy at Fremantle. The 20-year-old grew up idolising ageing champion Nic Naitanui and a move to the Eagles could allow him to partner his childhood idol for a season or two before assuming the lead ruck role upon Naitanui’s retirement. Jackson’s strong ground-level game is based around Naitanui’s strengths and was on show when he led the Melbourne’s ruck in Max Gawn’s absence in last week’s top-of-the-table meeting with Brisbane. “Jacko’s game was great in the weekend,” Goodwin said. “I thought he really stepped up. He’s a different type of ruckman to Max, so he gives us a different look around the ball. “Jacko’s got the skill set to do some really dynamic stuff in the game and we just want him to be him and continue to improve his game and be the best player he can be for the Melbourne footy club.” Meanwhile, Brownlow medallist Lachie Neale says the decision to pledge his future to Brisbane came easily, despite contemplating a bombshell trade request to Fremantle last year. Neale, 29, has signed a three-year contract extension at the Lions which runs until 2026. “I think it was a decision that came pretty easily to us after we’ve discussed it, weighed everything up over the last probably nine months and decided that our future is here in Brisbane,” Neale said. “I think it’s a really good outcome for my family and (wife) Jules and I in particular. I know last year there was a bit of a kerfuffle, I suppose, at the end of the year but it hasn’t really weighed on me too much. “I feel like once that stuff was past me last year I was able to move on pretty quickly and put a lot of time and effort into my body and training in the off-season and get ready for this season.”