Goodwin brushes off contract speculation for in-form Jackson
Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin has praised in-form ruck-forward Luke Jackson and says the club is comfortable with the current state of contractual negotiations with the out-of-contract 20-year-old.
Jackson starred with two goals and 22 touches in Melbourne’s win against Gold Coast on Saturday night and his current deal expires at the end of this season.
“We’ve had some really good discussions with Luke about his contract and his position at our club moving forward,” said Goodwin.
“One thing I know about Luke is that he loves his teammates and he loves his footy club. We are really comfortable where [contract discussions] sit with him,” he said. “He will get paid what he deserves over time – like any player does in our industry.”
Goodwin also dismissed suggestions an unresolved contract extension could distract Jackson and impact his on-field performances.
“He’s a pretty laid-back sort of character, so I don’t think it is going to bother him one bit,” said Goodwin.
Promising Demon Luke Jackson is out-of-contract at the end of the season.Credit:Getty Images
Jackson – who was the third pick in the 2019 draft – is from West Australia and has been the subject of media speculation regarding a potential return to Perth.
West Coast Eagles hall-of-famer Glen Jakovich told The Age that both the Eagles and Fremantle should consider pursuing the promising big man.
“He is the best six-foot-nine man in the competition for his age,” said Jakovich.
“He is only going to get better and better and in the next two or three years he will be the best ruckman in the competition.”
Goodwin also lauded Jackson, who performed strongly in finals last season and kicked a goal against the Bulldogs in round one, in addition to his strong showing against the Suns on the weekend.
The Melbourne coach particularly praised Jackson’s rapid development in a key role for the Demons.
“The ruck role is not an easy role and he has also been able to develop his forward craft,” said Goodwin.
“He is building an unbelievable chemistry with Max Gawn in terms of their ruck craft together and the duo they are creating together. I think that’s really exciting” he said.
“He has done some amazing things in his first 30 games, with that development with Max and our footy club, we are hoping it is for a lot longer.”
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