Matthew Lloyd’s ‘future selection’ to succeed ‘elite’ Max Gawn as the AFL’s premier ruckman

Matthew Lloyd is of the opinion that Luke Jackson from Fremantle is well-positioned to become the premier ruckman in the AFL once Melbourne captain Max Gawn retires from the game.

In recent weeks, Jackson has excelled for the Dockers, predominantly serving as their sole ruckman and earning the title of the top player in the league during this period, according to Champion Data.

His performance against St Kilda in round 16 was particularly noteworthy, as he scored the final goal to seal the match.

Lloyd asserts that we are now witnessing the pinnacle of the 23-year-old’s capabilities.

“You notice ruckmen like him who can influence the game in numerous ways. I recall AFL draft analyst Kevin Sheehan mentioning he could potentially play as a ruck rover,” Lloyd stated on Nine’s Footy Classified.

“I really enjoy watching him in the ruck, and he’s been incorporating forward skills that many previously thought he lacked.”

“Max Gawn is a unique, generational talent, but after him, Jackson would be my next choice,” he added.

Despite Jackson’s strong performances with fellow ruckman Sean Darcy sidelined, coach Justin Longmuir remains committed to using both players.

Brownlow Medallist Jimmy Bartel is not ready to dismiss this duo, suggesting they require an uninterrupted run together on the field.

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“For the Dockers, it’s about determining when to employ Darcy in the ruck versus Jackson,” Bartel noted.

“Jackson’s forward skills are superior to those of Darcy’s, making him more likely to score.”

“They have only played together in 32 games, and in some of those instances, one of them has had to leave the game due to injury.”

“We need to see them play more frequently. Should it be one playing forward while the other rucks, or can they both be on the field together at centre bounces?”

There were speculations regarding Jackson’s potential return to the Demons during the upcoming trade period, but those discussions have quietened recently.

AFL journalist Callum Twomey suggests that Kysaiah Pickett’s recent re-signing with Melbourne likely puts an end to those ambitions.

“It was very much in play earlier this year, and Jackson himself entertained the idea at different points. However, I think we can consider it largely settled now,” Twomey noted.

“The rumours surrounding Kozzy Pickett’s exit from the Demons were credible, but with him choosing to stay, it significantly reduces any possibility of Jackson returning to Melbourne.”

“Justin Longmuir is adamant about making the dual ruck system work.”