Jackson tried out initially at Richmond but the rover was not wanted by the club due to his size. Despite this rejection, he had a successful career with Melbourne where he became a star rover/forward pocket and was a handy goal scorer topping the Dees goal-kicking in 1988 with 43 goals. Most notably he kicked five goals in Melbourne's Preliminary Final win over Carlton that year, although he went goal-less from the forward pocket in their Grand Final loss.

A Victorian interstate representative, Jackson was picked up by Footscray in the 1991 AFL Draft but did not break into their seniors. He represented Australia in the 1990 International Rules series.

What are your favourite memories of Ricky Jackson?

Jumper	Season	Club	GA	K	M	H	D	G	B	HO	T	FF	FA	BV
45	1986	Melbourne	2	14	4	10	24	0	1	0		3	2	0
45	1987	Melbourne	14	162	16	66	228	25	19	0	18	20	16	3
45	1988	Melbourne	26	311	49	131	442	43	28	0	35	27	21	7
45	1989	Melbourne	18	165	29	78	243	15	15	0	9	21	12	1
45	1990	Melbourne	10	147	30	60	207	26	14	0	9	15	12	5
45	1991	Melbourne	10	86	17	43	129	22	7	0	5	11	9	0
Totals			80	885	145	388	1273	131	84	0	76	97	72	16
Avg/Game			13.3	11.1	1.8	4.9	15.9	1.6	1.1	0.0	1.0	1.2	0.9

Loved Ricky Jackson, one of my favourite players from the 80's.

Loved ricky too. he so alllllllmost won us the THAT prelim final against the hawks with a blistering run in the last few minutes of the game. If my memory serves me right he handballed to yeats  20 meters out , in space,  slight angle who rushed his kick and missed. The image is etched on my brain. 

Bit sad to remember he only actually played 80 games. 

I remember an amazing win at Windy Hill, where Ricky took two contested marks in the goal square at the members' end,for two goals that ultimately were significant in our win.

Contested marks were definitely not his strongpoint, but he did it that glorious day.

He was as fast as lightning , and was inspiring as he dashed away from packs bouncing the ball,and was a pretty good short passer.

He surely wasn't an "in-and-under "type, but I think he is an example of the fallacy of not picking players because they're "too short". Though it was in the 80's , I reckon it still is true.(Caleb Daniel, Dayne Zorko come to mind).

I'm amazed to read that he only played 80 games and was basically only a regular selection for two years.

His stats were good in 1990 - he must have been injured to only play 10 games that year.

Also etched in my brain, sitting up high in the stands along the wing at the G when Ricky Jackson roved the ball from a centre bounce, blitzed everyone and bombed a long goal. #45 was a gun.

One of my first games was against I think Footscray at the MCG in 1991. They were building the new stand. Jako and Jackson both went on a tear and it locked me as a delusional melbourne supporter.

My favorite memory of Ricky Jackson is without a doubt the 1988 Prelim final against Carlton, shocking conditions, Jackson was brilliant kicking 5 straight for the day. Best part of the day was in the last quarter Ricky had a running shot for goal that hit the post, umpire didn't see it and gave it a goal, it sealed the victory, Jackson's 5th for the day. Carlton fans were filthy, it was beautiful.

2 hours ago, poita said:

I'm amazed to read that he only played 80 games and was basically only a regular selection for two years.

His stats were good in 1990 - he must have been injured to only play 10 games that year.

Had a few injuries in his last 2 seasons Poita. When he was traded to Footscray i went to his 1st game for the Dogs which was  a practice match against Sydney at Skinner Reserve. He wrecked his knee in the 3rd quarter and never played again.  He was only 25 when he retired

Edited October 3, 20178 yr by DavidNeitz9
spelling

RickyJackson was a great player for his size

Tough and fast, good solid kick too

he would still get a game today because of his pace

Part of John Northey’s boys

One of the best small forwards to play for the dees, loved his work. 

 

THE ACTION ATTRACTION RICKY JACKSON