Luke Jackson said an Optus Stadium packed with Fremantle fans was comparable to the atmosphere on Grand Final Day, as the new recruit relished his first win in Freo colours in the RAC Derby on Sunday at Optus Stadium.

Jackson and his fellow forwards had been the focus of criticism after losses in the opening two rounds, but the line responded with 16 goals in the 108 to 67 point win.

He was central to that with two contested marks, two goals, seven tackles and an impressive five hitouts to advantage from his limited time in the ruck

His 95 AFL Fantasy points ranks as the equal third highest total in his career.

Jackson said he was buoyed by the support of the Fremantle fans, with 56,090 in attendance.

“It feels so good to get the win,” Jackson said.

“Obviously I haven’t played in a Derby before, I heard the game can get pretty fiery so to be able to win the first one is pretty sick.

“It was pretty similar to the (Melbourne’s 2021) Grand Final to be honest, it was a packed-out Optus and it’s really good when they’re cheering for you on the day, so it was nice.”

The 21-year-old said he wasn’t fazed by the critical commentary around the opening two games of his Fremantle career.

“I don’t really like to read into the outside noise, so I didn’t really know what was being said about the Club or anything,” Jackson said.

“I’m looking forward to coming out and playing with the boys and that’s what I have the most fun doing every week.”

Senior Coach Justin Longmuir was pleased to see Jackson find form early in his Freo career.

“I thought he got some reward for effort. He has been getting his hands to a lot of contests in previous games, but he still dropped a few today that he would have liked to take but he was able to get some reward for effort,” Longmuir said.

“His first goal was special but the one in the last quarter where he just launched at the footy and marked it at its highest point, that is what we have seen all summer.

“He just needs to keep putting himself in the right positions and keep rocking up and they will stick.”

While Caleb Serong won his second RAC Derby medal, Jackson said he was most impressed with fellow ruckman Sean Darcy.

Darcy dominated with 52 hitouts, 18 hitouts to advantage, 13 contested possessions and a goal.

“He was really good, he’s just such a big presence out there,” Jackson said.

“You feel like you’re standing taller with Swaggy (Darcy) out there. I learn off him every day and we keep building our chemistry for sure.

“Sebba (Serong) he was also really good, he just cracks in every week and that’s what I admire most about him. I’ll keep building the chemistry with him as well.”

After getting their first win on the board, Jackson is hopeful Freo can get some momentum going with a week in Adelaide, taking on the Crows in round four at Adelaide Oval and Gold Coast in Gather Round at Norwood Oval.

“We’ll just recover well and look to build off that game and keep building on our strengths and hopefully get a couple wins in Adelaide,” Jackson said.

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