Luke Jackson's Ruck Mastery Propels Fremantle as Mets Secure Reliever on Minor League Deal

Key facts

• Luke Jackson produced 5.1 from centre clearances for Fremantle against Carlton on Saturday night.
• Jackson is ranked No.9 in Champion Data's AFL Player Ratings, up from No.11 last year.
• The Mets and reliever Luke Jackson agreed on a minor league deal on April 4, 2026.
• Jackson posted a 2.38 ERA in 11 1/3 innings for the Mariners in 2025.
• Jackson has a groundball rate of 51.1% since 2023, placing him in the top 20% of qualified relievers.
• Fremantle ruck coach Sam Naismith noted Jackson's improved running capacity from training with midfielders.

A Centre-Square Masterclass

Fremantle's Luke Jackson delivered arguably the best centre-square performance by a big man in 2026 last Saturday night, leading the Dockers to their highest scoreboard return from centre clearances since 2019. The 24-year-old ruckman's work against Carlton produced 5.1 from the source, including two thrilling goals on the run out of centre clearances. Jackson's impact has drawn comparisons to West Coast legend Nic Naitanui, who Geelong coach Chris Scott once described as a nightmare to face at centre bounces. While no coach has yet voiced that sentiment about Jackson, his combination of ruck dominance and ground-level follow-up is making him a growing problem for opponents.

Off-Season Transformation

Jackson's leap in performance stems from a rigorous off-season training program that saw him train as a midfielder rather than with the taller players. Fremantle ruck coach Sam Naismith explained that Jackson's running capacity improved significantly, allowing him to cover the ground with explosive agility. "His running capacity improved by running with the midfielders and not being stuck with the taller guys, so he started running really well and flying across the ground," Naismith said. "But also with his strength, he's a little bit heavier than what he was last year and he's been able to carry that weight and still be explosive and springy and agile with his footwork." Jackson also worked closely with key forward Jye Amiss, who has booted 16.8 across his past five games and set a club record with nine marks inside 50 in the recent Western Derby. The pair focused on gym work, running, and recovery with regular ice bath and sauna sessions.

Climbing the Ranks

A settled role in the ruck has propelled Jackson to No.9 in Champion Data's AFL Player Ratings this year, up from No.11 last year and a significant jump from No.47 across the 2023-24 period. He has been part of Fremantle's most successful centre-square combination for scores this season, alongside Andrew Brayshaw, Caleb Serong and Murphy Reid, with the Dockers scoring from 33 per cent of ball-ups when that combination is used. Jackson's development into a top-10 player and arguably the game's in-form ruckman underscores his growing influence. At 24, he is cementing himself as a star of the competition, with his ruck time increasing and his performance trajectory pointing upward.

Across the Pacific: A Minor League Deal

In a separate baseball development, the New York Mets and right-handed reliever Luke Jackson agreed to a minor league contract on April 4, 2026, as reported by Will Sammon of The Athletic. Jackson, a client of Beverly Hills Sports Council, debuted with the Rangers in 2015 and has played parts of 10 big-league seasons through 2025. The 34-year-old underwent Tommy John surgery in April 2022, missing that season, before returning with the Giants in 2023. He split 2024 between San Francisco and Atlanta, and became more of a journeyman in 2025, pitching 51 innings over 52 appearances with the Rangers, Tigers, and Mariners. He finished strong with a 2.38 ERA in 11 1/3 innings for Seattle, and appeared three times in the postseason, allowing one earned run in three innings.

Groundball Specialist with Staying Power

Jackson peaked with 18 saves and 1.3 fWAR for the Braves in 2019. While he has not been especially dominant since, his ability to induce groundballs has kept him in the league. Since 2019, he has never posted a groundball rate below 50%, and his 51.1% mark since the start of 2023 places him in the top 20% of qualified relievers. That skill has helped him withstand a decline in velocity and a below-average walk rate as he pitches into his mid-30s. His strikeout rate fell to 17.4% in 2025, but he has rebounded in that area before, showing a pattern of below-average strikeout seasons followed by above-average ones.

Path to the Mets' Roster

Given his experience, it would not be surprising for the Mets to select Jackson's contract at some point. With Devin Williams and Luke Weaver handling late innings, the low- and medium-leverage bullpen spots are covered by Huascar Brazobán, Tobias Myers, Richard Lovelady, and Sean Manaea. Manaea, a career starter, could regain that role in mid-April as the Mets shift to a six-man rotation, freeing a bullpen spot. Jackson's likeliest path to the roster is by replacing one of the other three relievers. Lovelady, who has been designated for assignment three times since September, including twice by the Mets, could be the odd man out given his rough start to the year.

The bottom line

• Luke Jackson's centre-square dominance has elevated Fremantle's scoring and his own ranking to No.9 in the AFL.
• Jackson's off-season training as a midfielder improved his running capacity and strength, enabling explosive play.
• The Mets signed reliever Luke Jackson to a minor league deal, with a potential call-up likely if Richard Lovelady is designated for assignment.
• Jackson's groundball rate of 51.1% since 2023 ranks in the top 20% of qualified relievers, offsetting declines in velocity and strikeouts.
• Fremantle's centre-square combination of Jackson, Brayshaw, Serong, and Reid scores from 33% of ball-ups.