One of the AFL’s biggest open secrets of the season has been confirmed, with Melbourne star Luke Jackson requesting a trade home to WA.

In a statement, the Demons said they will now work with Fremantle and West Coast to “secure a suitable trade”.

6PR Football expert Brad Hardie told Simon Beaumont on Mornings that Jackson informed Melbourne at his exit interview on Tuesday he wanted a trade back home, preferably landing at the Dockers.

“I think his target is Fremantle, it’s just a matter now of Fremantle working pretty hard to get Melbourne satisfied,” he said.

While the Eagles are firmly in the frame, the links between Jackson and the Dockers have been strong for months.

It’s believed Fremantle has offered the young premiership player a long-term deal of up to seven years that could fetch up to $900,000 per season – well above what the Demons are prepared to pay him.