The Syd Jackson Story - By Bill Forrest

Sydney Jackson came to East Perth from Bunbury in 1963 this was the year in which he turned 19 years of age. The players were receiving ten pounds, and ten shillings for a winning game and six pounds for a losing game. In joining the team he was rubbing shoulders with players of the calibre of Derek Chadwick, Mal Atwell, Brian McGregor, Laurie Kennedy, Ted Kilmurray, Ralph Rogerson, Graham John, Tony Bellos, Keith Doncon, Bob Graham and Phil Tierney.

Syd was a sensation in his first year with the Club he was a brilliant kick with both feet and had uncanny football skills. During the season Syd was played in the centre and had carried everything before him. For Round 16 we travelled to Leederville Oval to play the arch enemies before a crowd of 13,934 (We would love to be getting that sort of a crowd today). The game was played at a terrific tempo. Graham John sustained a broken nose and concussion. Mal Atwell also sustained concussion. Ron Evans (now an AFL commissioner) kicked 7.3 that was the difference between the two teams. West Perth won 17.12 to 13.16.

During the match Jackson was reported on two counts and this was enough for us to lose his services for the next two weeks.

This misdemeanour was to prove costly to Syd as he then became ineligible for the Sandover Medal. When the votes were counted for 1963 he tied with Ray Sorrell (East Fremantle) on 20 votes but would have lost on a count back. In 1997 history was changed and all players who had lost on count backs were awarded medals retrospectively. During his five year career with East Perth he polled a total of 49 Sandover votes.

In 1966 Syd won the Club Fairest & Best award with 129 votes from Keith Doncon with 123 votes.

This was a fitting reward as in 63 he was runner-up to Derek Chadwick and in 65 he ran second to Kevin Murray. The 1966 Annual Report had this to say with regard to Syd’s F & B award - What a colossal year this young player has had! The most dynamic centre man in the State, and this season has far exceeded his past three with the Club. No doubt the State selectors shook their heads after not including him in the State team. He is one of the Most courageous and brilliant young footballers this State has seen.

In 1967 Syd gained his opportunity to be selected in the State team that played South Australia in Perth. Western Australia had a resounding victory when they downed the Croweaters 20.19 to 10.5

In a career of five years Syd never played a game in the Reserves. From a possible of 112 games he played 104 games.

Sydney Jackson - Career with East Perth

1963 - 1967  (5 years) played 104 games

Kicked 78 goals 103 points

1963 Sandover Medal (was ineligible) Tied with Ray Sorrell 20 votes

1963 - 1967 Polled a total of 49 Sandover medal votes

1963 and 1965 runner-up East Perth Fairest & Best

1966 East Perth Club Fairest & Best.

1967 One State game WA versus SA in Perth