Jackson has been selected to feature for Western Australia in the February 14 State of Origin clash with Victoria in Perth.
And with Collingwood ruckman Darcy Cameron also chosen for WA, it means Jackson may get the chance to play as a midfielder against Victoria’s all-star brigade of Marcus Bontempelli, Nick Daicos, Zak Butters, Serong, Matt Rowell and Noah Anderson.
WA’s midfield unit will feature the likes of captain Patrick Cripps, Chad Warner, Shai Bolton, Kysaiah Pickett and Trent Rivers.
“The challenge of going up against some of the best players in the comp will only help my game, and I’ll be able to take a lot of learnings out,” Jackson said.
“I’m looking forward to playing with guys like Crippa and all the stars of the comp.”
And as for lining up against Serong – his midfield mentor of the summer?
“That will be good fun – probably ruffle some feathers in there,” Jackson said.
“It will be good to play against him. There actually has been a little bit of banter.”
Cox joined Fremantle on a two-year deal after being surprisingly axed by Collingwood at the end of last season, and Jackson was full of praise for the 34-year-old.
“Playing as an inside mid with ‘Swag’, he gets his hand on it a lot. I’m just building chemistry with that every week,” Jackson said.
“He’s been awesome at Freo. I love playing with him. He’s a great communicator.
“He helps my game a lot, gets me in the right positions and he’s got a lot of experience.”