JACKSON, Bill

Bill "Newhaven" Jackson was a dashing ruckman and forward who arrived at Essendon with a big reputation from Ballarat Imperials.

Prior to that he had been at Melbourne Grammar. The Encyclopedia of AFL Footballers describes him as "a bulky and artistic player who played the game aggressively".

His magnificent high-marking and kicking led to him being selected in the League side against Ballarat in 1899.

Jackson missed much of 1900 with a cycling injury and was going to retire but played for Essendon in the League finals. However he injured his knee early in the game, leaving Essendon with 17 men and his loss cost Essendon the game and possibly the flag.

He was an accomplished cyclist winning the Australian Cycling Championship twice and also the famous Warrnambool to Melbourne road race. He was nicknamed "Newhaven" after the 1896 Melbourne Cup winning horse, when he won a major race around the same time. His cycling commitments led to him missing many games.

He later returned to football and played six games with St Kilda in 1903, and captained that club.

Bill Jackson died on 11th September, 1921.