Fremantle big man Luke Jackson is enjoying his role as the lead ruckman, but says he won't mind going back to the forward line when Sean Darcy is ready to return.
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Jackson played a starring role in the ruck in last week's 23-point win over Brisbane, tallying 18 disposals, 30 hit-outs and two goals.
The 22-year-old was initially slated to play predominantly as a forward alongside fellow talls Jye Amiss and Josh Treacy this season.
But Darcy's pre-season knee injury, which will rule him out for another three weeks, has again forced Jackson into the lead ruck role.
Jackson thrived as the lead ruckman when Darcy was injured at the tail-end of last season, and he'll embrace the role for as long as he is needed.
"I'm ready for it. I got a taste for it the last six rounds last year," Jackson said.
"I like the ruck, being around the ball. But I like the forward line too, jumping into packs.
"Whatever role I need to play for the team, I'll do it."
Fremantle's midfield mix clicked well against Brisbane, with the likes of Nat Fyfe, Caleb Serong, Hayden Young and Andrew Brayshaw thriving at the feet of Jackson.
While Serong stole the headlines with his club-record 46-disposal effort, Fyfe's successful performance was a huge plus for the side.
Fyfe has been plagued by injuries for the past four years, but he played bulk game time against Brisbane and finished with 21 disposals, six clearances and seven tackles.
"You stand taller when Fyfey is out there. His leadership is unreal," Jackson said.
"He works really hard at training. He's been able to get most sessions done in the pre-season.
"He's looking really good out there, hopefully he can keep it going."
Fremantle will be aiming to make it two wins on the trot when they take on North Melbourne at Marvel Stadium on Saturday.
They will make at least three changes to the side after Brennan Cox (hamstring), Oscar McDonald (knee) and Karl Worner (concussion) were all injured against Brisbane.
Cox will miss 12-15 weeks after undergoing surgery, while the Dockers are still waiting for McDonald's swelling to go down before determining the extent of his injury.
Fremantle defender Josh Draper, a graduate of the club's next generation academy, has been named for his AFL debut, while spearhead Matt Taberner replaces Cox.
Defender Brandon Walker and midfielder Jaeger O'Meara have also been brought into the 23-man squad.
North Melbourne have been boosted by the returns of co-captains Luke McDonald (hamstring) and Jy Simpkin (concussion).
Australian Associated Press
