'I think that's stupid': Max Gawn apologises for setting off wild Luke Jackson trade speculation
Melbourne skipper Max Gawn has apologised for hinting Luke Jackson may return to the Demons amid speculation the ruckman could request a trade at the end of the season.
Jackson has been at the centre of trade talks after it was reported he was considering a move back to the Demons, just three seasons after he left for Fremantle in 2022.
Gawn added fuel to the fire when he revealed a player who had left Victoria was on the hunt to come "back soon".
READ MORE: Daley's tense one-word Terrell May question response
READ MORE: Slater explains big Maroons gamble on 10-game rookie
READ MORE: 'Piastri messed up': F1 champ lashes Aussie, 'afraid' McLaren
Max Gawn speaks on Triple M about the situation surrounding Luke Jackson. Triple M
Although no name was stated by Gawn at the time, speculation immediately emerged that the player he was referencing was Jackson.
Dockers coach Justin Longmuir admitted he was not concerned by the possible trade as his ruckman remains "confused" by where the rumour had emerged.
"I will clear it up. I certainly don't like myself speculating about other people who are contracted, I think that's stupid," Gawn said on Triple M's Mick in the Morning.
"I apologise if that was how it came across, it wasn't my intention. My intention was to have a little laugh. I appreciate that Luke has said that he's staying."
Jackson still has four years remaining on his current deal with Fremantle.
Max Gawn of the Demons is congratulated by Luke Jackson after kicking a goal. Getty
If the 23-year-old is to request a trade deal and return to the Demons, Gawn admitted the club would need to work out how to better manage a two-ruck system.
"We butchered two rucks," Gawn said in reference to his time with Brodie Grundy.
"It probably hasn't worked this year with two rucks [for Fremantle], but Sean Darcy and Luke Jackson have been a good ruck combination in the last two years.
"I think Sean came back from a pretty bad injury and came back a week or two early. This could be the blessing in disguise that he needs."
Asked if he'd prefer to work as a solo or two man ruck, Gawn was open to both options.
"I've got time for both," he replied.
"I was with Luke then Brodie, but there's also been times where we haven't had anyone other than myself."
