HE has spent about 160 hours travelling to be part of Collingullie-Glenfield Park’s campaign and ruckman Chris Jackson could not be happier to be through to another grand final.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Jackson returned to the Demons this season after one year at Newcastle City in the Black Diamond League, where he took his premiership tally to three.
A desire to return to Collingullie saw Jackson agree to travel back for a selection of games, plus finals, and he is now through to another grand final.
“Yeah, it has been worthwhile now we’re through to another grand final,” Jackson said.
“It will be my fifth grand final in five years.”
Jackson arrived at Collingullie from Queensland in 2013. He played in the Demons’ grand final loss that year, before going on to back-to-back premiership glory with the club in 2014-15.
He spent 2016 with Newcastle City in the Black Diamond League, where he was able to make it three flags is as many years.
Jackson is confident he can make it four straight on Saturday, when he is back on Riverina League grand final day at Narrandera Sportsground against Leeton-Whitton.
“I’m pretty confident we can if everyone stands up on the day and does their role, which I’m sure they will,” he said.
“We should have the side to do it.”
Jackson will go up against Leeton-Whitton’s Mason Dryburgh in the ruck, and expects a tough tussle.
“He’s got a similar style to me,” he said.
“He’s got a big leap on him as well and moves pretty well around the field.”
Jackson has established a reputation as a big game player at the Demons. He was among their best in the 2015 triumph, before winning the Ron Hutchins Medal for best on ground in 2016.
He puts it down to purely loving the occasion.
“I enjoy the atmosphere,” he said.
As for the travel. It has been either a 12-hour round trip in the car, or 18 hours to and back, via Sydney, on the train.
It has not bothered the 27-year-old youth worker.
“It’s been pretty cruisey,” he said.
“I prefer driving. You get there and quicker and I’m used to doing long hours.
“You can do a lot of work on the train.”
While the travel has been significant, Jackson is happy to be back playing at the Demons.
“They asked me last year but I had to get my foot in the door with my job,” he said.
“I’m able to call my own hours to do my work now so that’s allowed me to come back this year.”
