TLA Demon Luke Jackson has been named the NAB AFL Rising Star Award winner after his breakout season in 2021.
The 19-year-old recruited from Bullcreek-Leeming(WA)/East Fremantle (WAFL) was nominated for his Round 7 performance against North Melbourne, where he registered 22 disposals, seven contested possessions, one goal and six score involvements.
The Round 7 nomination was his second in two years after also being nominated in round 10 in his debut season of 2020.
Since first donning the red and blue, Jackson has worked closely with skipper Max Gawn and Forward Coach Greg Stafford, sharpening his craft as a ruckman, while also developing his goal-kicking skills. This continued growth has established him as a versatile player who has the ability to make an impact across multiple areas of the ground.
The accolade comes after also being recognised in the AFL Player’s Association’s annual 22under22 team, alongside fellow TLA players Andrew Brayshaw (FRE, Vice Captain) Trent Rivers (MEL) and Brandon Starcevich (BRL).
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Jackson joins a star cast of TLA/Stride talent to have taken out the award, joining the likes of Jesse Hogan (MEL – 2015), Jaeger O’Meara (GCS – 2013), Dan Hannebery (SYD – 2010), Joel Selwood (GEE – 2007), Danyle Pearce (PTA – 2006), Nick Riewoldt (STK – 2002), Chris Scott (BRL – 1994) and Nathan Buckley (BRL – 1993).
Jackson is one of nine TLA youngsters to nominated for the NAB AFL Rising Star in 2021:
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