No-one was happier to see the return of Sean Darcy against Essendon on Saturday at Optus Stadium than his fellow ruckman Luke Jackson.
 
With Darcy back after missing two games with a hamstring injury, Jackson returned to his primary forward role and kicked three goals to go with his seven marks and nine score involvements.
 
He was Freo’s lead goalkicker in the 32-point win, with Fremantle winning their past five games with Darcy in the team after losing against Richmond and GWS in his absence.
 
It put to bed recent suggestions from the media that Fremantle didn’t need to have two of the AFL’s most promising rucks in their line-up.
 

“I love it when Swaggy (Darcy) is in the team,” Jackson said.
 
“I think it helps the whole team, the whole dynamic down there.
 
“I don’t mind being around the ball (in the ruck) but I think it’s better when Swaggy is in there for longer.
 
“He’s one of the best rucks in the comp for a reason. I love playing forward, I think I’ve grown my game down there and I’m happy to help when Swaggy is having a rest.”

Jackson said the team wanted to ‘put an effort in’ for the 43,063 fans who showed up following Freo’s 70-point loss to the Giants the week prior.
 
“It was pretty disappointing, the GWS game,” Jackson said.
 
“Coming back home in front of the Freo fans, we just wanted to put an effort in for them.
 
“I think everyone contributed in the end, it was good.”

Jackson was supported by multiple goalkickers Michael Walters, Jye Amiss and Michael Frederick up forward, with Frederick playing his 50th game.
 
Both of Amiss’s goals were came in general play via crumbing the ball and impressive left foot snaps.
 
“It’s pretty exciting, he’s only 19,” Jackson said of Amiss.
 
“He’s just going to keep growing and it’s pretty exciting that a guy like Jye is doing those things.
 
“It was Freddy’s 50th and he was really good. He’s just going to keep building as well, it’s exciting.”

Freo fins form against Bombers