After turning his back on lucrative college basketball scholarships, Luke Jackson became the best tall prospect in the 2019 draft and part of a dynamic Premiership ruck duo at Melbourne Football Club.
Growing up, Luke Jackson’s first sport of choice was basketball. He had a promising junior career and represented Australia on multiple occasions.
After playing in the Under 16’s AFL National Championships for Western Australia where he showcased his athleticism and competitiveness, Jackson was faced with the tough decision on which sport he would pursue. AFL won out and in his draft year, Jackson threw everything into developing his game.
Jackson dominated ruck contests throughout the National Championships, averaging 16 disposals and 37 hit outs across the competition. He was given the nod as the best ruck in the Under 18 All-Australian team, while he also finished runner-up in the national competitions Best and Fairest.
Investing 100% in football paid off, as Jackson became the first Western Australian player taken in the 2019 draft.
Narrowly missing selection in the first round of 2020, Jackson worked hard over the Covid-19 enforced break and was rewarded with his debut in Melbourne’s Round 2 win over Carlton.
He earnt a Rising Star Nomination after his Round 10 performance and at 199cm he dominates the ruck, but Jackson’s athleticism, endurance, ability to hit the score board and capabilities below his knees indicate there is plenty for Melbourne fans to be excited about.
In 2021, Jackson created a dynamic duo in the Melbourne Demons ruck stocks and has become one of the best and most promising young players in the league. In Round 7, Jackson earned a second Rising Star Nomination, and was eventually named the 2021 NAB AFL Rising Star.
Just weeks later, Jackson kicked a goal and played a crucial role in Melbourne’s drought breaking Premiership.