Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell has praised Luke Jackson’s skill to develop into an “extra midfielder” for Fremantle, and says Ned Reeves faces an enormous job to quell the Dockers star.
Jackson has shone as Fremantle’s lead ruckman since Sean Darcy went down with an ankle damage six weeks in the past.
Not solely has Jackson competed properly within the ruck, however his follow-up work at floor stage has confirmed essential.
His presence has given Fremantle what’s successfully an additional big-bodied midfielder as soon as the ball hits the bottom.
Jackson’s all-round talent set has earned him the moniker of being a soccer ‘unicorn’.
Reeves, who stands at 210cm, isn’t as agile because the 199cm Jackson, however will be capable to use his peak to his benefit within the ruck battle.
The 24-year-old tallied 43 hitouts, 10 disposals and 7 tackles towards Western Bulldogs huge man Tim English a fortnight in the past.
Last week towards star Melbourne ruckman Max Gawn, Reeves held his personal on the way in which to 13 disposals, 26 hitouts and three clearances.
Mitchell has been pleased with the event of Reeves, and he’s trying ahead to the ruckman’s battle with Jackson on the MCG on Saturday.
“I think he (Reeves) has held his own against English and Gawn, two fantastic players,” Mitchell mentioned.
“Jackson, his final 5 or 6 weeks have been excellent.
Credit: Daniel Carson/AFL Photos/AFL Photos through Getty Images
“I think everyone who watched him since even before the draft thought that this would be the player he would become.
“He has really been able to be an extra midfielder for them, it’s a different skill set.
“With English and Gawn, they’re both 208cm plus, whereas Jackson is a little bit smaller, but more mobile and covers an enormous amount of ground.
“It’s a different challenge, one that Ned will have some advantages in.
“But it’s going to be a challenge for the rest of the team as well to be able to cover for him at different stages.”
Fremantle might be with out Jaeger O’Meara (calf), however Michael Walters is an enormous inclusion.
Hawthorn have been boosted by the return of star midfielder Jai Newcombe, however Mitch Lewis was unable to get better from a foot damage.
Saturday’s match will see brothers Caleb and Jai Serong face off towards one another for the primary time within the AFL.
Caleb has develop into a star on the Dockers, whereas Jai has solely just lately returned to taking part in duties after being identified with pericarditis earlier this season.
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
