Simon Goodwin has left the door ajar for a potential Luke Jackson reunion at Narrm, admitting the Demons would be “interested” if the 2021 premiership ruck ever sought a return from Walyalup.
Speaking to reporters on Friday, Goodwin addressed the trade buzz that has lingered since Jackson’s move west in 2022, despite the ruckman reaffirming his commitment to the Dockers as recently as March.
The speculation was reignited this week by the player’s manager, who again stated Jackson was happy in Fremantle, but that hasn’t deterred Goodwin from expressing interest.
‘We love Jacko,’ but no moves unless he initiates it
“We love Jacko,” Goodwin said. “Clearly, he's a premiership player, and if it ever came to a point that he wanted to come back to Melbourne, there's no question that we'd be interested in him.
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“But right now, he's a contracted player to Fremantle. We can't deal in hypotheticals; all we can deal with is the facts.
“He's contracted, and his manager and Luke have clearly stated that that's the case. And as I said, if he ever got to the point where he wanted to come back to Melbourne, we'd certainly be interested.”
Jackson’s relationship with former netballer Kelsey Browne, who is based in Victoria, has added to the intrigue around a potential move, though the 22-year-old remains locked in at Walyalup until 2029.
Goodwin also confirmed he’s stayed in touch with Jackson, but clarified those conversations haven’t strayed into career moves. “We speak about footy from time to time, but I haven't spoken to him about that, no.”
Meanwhile, the coach was quick to shut down any suggestion that Kysaiah Pickett could be part of a trade package.
“I’ll keep saying it, 'Kozzy' is not going anywhere,” Goodwin said. “He’s got two-and-a-half years left at the Melbourne footy club and our plan is to make 'Kozzy' a Dee for life.”