West Aussie quick Bryce Jackson says he was able to tick all the boxes he set for himself during preseason, following a terrific breakout season in the One-Day Cup.
The Albany product has become a mainstay in WA’s white ball squad, taking 12 wickets across all four matches he played in the during series.
Jackson has been part of WA’s men program since being rookie listed during the 2021-22 season. However, his domestic career has been hampered by recurring back and hamstring issues in the earlier part of his career.
Jackson finally got out on the park in February 2024 in a must-win game against Tasmania where he made a quick impression and took three wickets on debut.
In his second game in September 2024, he took 6/31 – the best bowling figures by a West Aussie bowler in One-Dayer history.
However, Jackson’s goals were centred on remaining fit and injury free for the full season.
“I felt like I did that. I think it was in nearly every one day squad this year, so I was able to tick that box,” he told SportFM.
“Another one was, from a technical point of view, just relying on my out-swinger and white ball skills, just honing in on them.
“My big focus was that first one was get through, be available, make sure I’m fit so I can get every opportunity I can going forward.
“I was able to have those opportunities and actually took them with two hands. So pretty relieved I got through everything, and I’m very happy and looking forward to what’s to come ahead.”
WA – the current wooden spooners, shattered Queensland’s One-Day title hopes, handing them a six wicket defeat at the Gabba with Jackson having a hand in getting his side over the line.
Jackson finished his season on a high note, earning player of the match for his fantastic bowling performance where he took 4/39, which helped restrict Queensland to 131 runs.
Reflecting on the match, Jackson said he wanted to finish the season well, after a disappointing performance against South Australia 10 days prior.
“Looking back to the South Australia game recently, I was really struggling a little bit in that game,” he said.
“I haven’t been playing that much over the Christmas period and kind of lost touch of my technical bit.
“I really, really wanted to make an impact in this last game just because I wanted to finish well. Everything just seemed to come online. I was able to take wickets when I did, had a good new ball spell and I was pretty pleased with everything.
“I think more relief after the game that I’ve actually gotten through a season again and be able to play at the higher level.
“I was very excited to be playing again, but even more relief knowing that I’ve set a goal this year and I’ve been able to complete it and looking forward to next year.”
While the right-armer has rapidly excelled with the ball in the white ball format, he has yet to feature at Sheffield Shield level for WA.
Jackson says he hasn’t ruled out the possibility and will be a discussion had with coaching staff in the preseason.
“Some of the guys wanted me to push this year, but I think another pre-season and I think my fitness needs to go up another level just to be able to go with that four day format,” he said.
“Last week, I did a 35 over week, which is the biggest week I’ve ever had and my body, I could feel it. It was a nice little eye opener to see what it does feel like to have those big loads put on you.
“The next pre-season, if I’m looking to go the next step in the four day form, fitness has to go up another level, strength-based has to go up another level, just to go that next step.
“I don’t know what the coaching staff have for me and everything like that, but I think that’s a conversation, end of the season, see where I sit with everything and obviously they’ll go into preparation for pre-season.”
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