In Darcy,the Dockers already own a formidable ruckman. To land Jackson,one would imagine that it would cost them two first-round picks and a long-term deal starting at $600,000-plus. It is a steep price,even if Jackson ultimately fulfils his potential,because he does not redress their most pressing weakness – the absence of an A-grade key forward.

Jackson is only 199 centimetres,which is undersized for a ruckman in an era when Gawn and others stand several centimetres taller. His appeal lies in the belief that he has remarkable agility at ground level,coupled with a decent aerial dimension,which means he can also play forward in spurts.

But for the Dockers – and even Melbourne – the question must be asked whether Jackson can play as a bona fide,starting 18 key forward. On exposed form,this is a doubtful proposition and that doubt ought to give Fremantle pause.

Melbourne,meanwhile,should likewise make Brayshaw their first contracting priority. While it is counter-intuitive to sign the midfielder/flanker before a much younger and talented tall,Melbourne’s period in flag contention makes it easier for the club to take a short to medium,rather than long-term view,on contracting – and in the event Jackson goes,the draft gain will be greater than for Brayshaw.

Jackson could well prove an outstanding player. At this stage,however,he’s clearly been promising as a second ruck – averaging 15 disposals,10 hitouts and slightly over three marks per game in 2022,plus only eight goals in 13 games. The risk for a buyer is that he’s caught between ruck and key forward size and becomes a jack of both trades,but a master of neither.

The more positive outcome would be that,as a 199-centimetre ruck with a sizeable leap and mobility,he can emulate Paddy Ryder and turn into a highly valuable half of a ruck tandem.

If the game’s rule makers jettison or reduce boundary throw-ins via the creation of a last touch (really last disposal) rule,then Jackson’s value would rise.

The hype around Jackson – burnished by excessive praise for his grand final ruck work in the third quarter – is a further sign of a footy culture in which players are often paid or purchased on perceived potential rather than proven performance;it is the same logic that resulted in Tom Boyd being purloined from the Giants on a ludicrous deal,albeit Jackson will not come close to a Boyd bullion.

Genuine key forwards,potent inside-and-outside midfielders – eg Clayton Oliver and Christian Petracca – and a few key defenders are those whom clubs should place first in their pecking orders. Cool hand Luke Jackson,at this stage,is a luxury item for a top team,cream rather than cake.

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