PREMIERSHIP ruckman Chris Jackson will return to Collingullie-Glenfield Park this season.
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After one season back at Newcastle, Jackson has decided to return to the Demons for a selection of games this year.
Jackson won the Ron Hutchins Medal in his last game in the Riverina as he helped Collingullie-GP to the 2015 premiership.
Jackson has agreed to travel from Newcastle for about 10 games, plus finals if all goes to plan.
New Collingullie-GP coach Luke Gestier is pleased to welcome such an accomplished ruckman back on board.
“You can’t buy experience and it will be great for the group when he does play,” Gestier said.
Jackson, 26, played in a premiership at Newcastle City in the Black Diamond League last year. He represented the league and was part of their victory over Farrer League at Robertson Oval.
Jackson spent three seasons at Crossroads Oval before leaving and won two premierships, where he shone in both grand final victories.
His return is a bonus for the Demons, who had already planned to use the returning Nick Cooper in the ruck this year.
“Jacko will fit in perfectly with Nick,” Gestier said.
“Nick was in my plans to be the number one ruckman but they should be able to work in with each other perfectly.
“With the extra one on the bench this year it will probably allow us to play a traditional resting ruckman.”
The addition of Jackson and Cooper, will free up Tom Keogh, who created a big impression last year as the Demons’ number one ruckman.
Keogh is likely to be used at centre-half-back but Gestier likes the options it gives him.
“He can play centre-half-back, he can play on a wing, he can play anywhere really,” Gestier said.
“It gives us a few options.”
The Demons recommence pre-season training next week.
They have already lined up trial games against Marrar and Belconnen ahead of round one.