A friendly rivalry between Sean Darcy and Luke Jackson on the training track will give the pair the perfect preparation for the 2023 season, according to Senior Coach Justin Longmuir.

Playing on opposing sides in Monday’s match sim, both Darcy and Jackson gave an exciting glimpse into what the ruck combination will look like.

Jackson was an early standout, with an impressive mark and goal up front while also impacting with his follow up at ground level when in the ruck.

Darcy also kicked a goal and arguably had the best of the ruck battle, including a sublime tap behind his back to hit Will Brodie in the open who ran the ball out of the square.

“Luke started the game really well and was up against Sean in the ruck to start with,” Longmuir told SEN WA.

“I was really pleased with the way Sean fought back (as Luke) was probably the most dominant player on the ground in that first period.

“They’re pushing each other hard in everything we do so they’re going to make each other better just by being able to play against each other.

“It was a good hitout yesterday.”

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While Longmuir highlighted the development of key forward Josh Treacy as a positive for Fremantle’s forward stocks in 2023, he also expects Darcy and Jackson to be dangerous up front.

“One of our rucks will spend a fair bit of time forward,” Longmuir said.

“Both bring different things to the to the to the forward line. Both can win contests.

“Sean’s a great aerialist and Luke can take a contested mark and win it at ground level.”

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