Mark Jackson

DOB: 30 August 1959

Debut: Round 1, 1981 against Hawthorn at MCG
Last MFC Game: Round 22, 1982 against Sydney at MCG

From: Mitcham/Richmond/South Fremantle

Number: 25 (1981-1982)

Honours:
Best First Year Player - 1981
Leading Goalkicker - 1981

Games: 41 (82 total)
Goals: 152 (308 total)
Career Statistics

Wins	Draws	Losses	Winning %
8	0	33	19.51

Statistical categories led:
Most free kicks against in a season : 72 - 1982

Jackson started his career at Richmond, and was captain of their Under 19s in 1978, before being loaned out to WAFL side South Fremantle in 1979. He kicked 53 goals before returning to Victoria during the finals when other players, tired of the enigmatic forward's antics, voted him out of the team. He returned to Richmond and kicked 131 goals in the 1980 Reserves season but was unable to break into their senior side. Desperate for a full forward, Melbourne signed him in 1981, and he kicked 76 goals in a team that only won a single game for the season. He became famous not just for his goals, but for on-field antics. In Round 22, Hawthorn defender Kelvin Moore said Jackson "wouldn't be a full forward while his arse pointed to the ground", and 'Jacko' responded with a handstand.

After signing a lucrative new contract before the 1982 season, Jackson kicked another 76 goals but was involved in several clashes with coaches, opponents, and spectators. He was sent to club psychologist Rudi Webster after clashing with Robert Flower at training, then abusing Barassi when ordered to go and train with the Under 19s as punishment. Paul O'Brien had to leap on Jackson's back to subdue him, and when assistant coach Ray Jordon challenged him, Jackson threatened him with a brick. He was fined $1000 for his behaviour. While Jackson and Barassi barely spoke in their second year, the forward's popularity with fans went through the roof. By April the club had received so many requests for Jacko merchandise that they considered selling a mask featuring his likeness.

Jackson was disciplined by the club after two suspensions in the first half of the season and responded by announcing that he had reformed and would behave himself. After being outed for two weeks in Round 2, he returned to train with South Fremantle and sparked speculation about his future by saying he wanted to play with them again. His next suspension came in Round 9, after a wild game at Windy Hill where an Essendon fan threw a can of beer onto the ground and Jackson hurled it back into the ground. As well as a two week suspension for striking, Jackson was fined $500 by the club. He again pledged to reform, saying "there will be no more antics and carrying on. I will endeavour to be the best boy in the street for the stiff necks". By Round 17, North Melbourne fans were complaining that he made obscene gestures to them in a game at Arden Street.

By the end of the season the fall-out with Melbourne was complete, accusing the club of manipulating the leading goalkicker race to help Gerard Healy finish above him. Declaring Melbourne "boring", he crossed to St. Kilda in 1983. Even after 152 goals in two seasons, the Saints were the only side to show an interest in him. He kicked a career high 10 goals in his fifth game for them, but was sacked after Round 11. Rumours of a return to Melbourne were unfounded and he joined Geelong in 1984, remaining there until being sacked in early 1986 after refusing to play in their Reserves. He later sued St Kilda for damages after the termination of his three year deal, leading to a court case where the Saints claimed he put lit cigarettes in player's pockets during a club function. St Kilda counter-sued Jackson for the $25,000 they'd lost on the $15,000 transfer fee received from Geelong.

After leaving Geelong, Jackson's VFL career was over at age 26. He briefly played for VFA side Brunswick, and after being linked with Richmond in 1986 he returned to South Fremantle for 45 goals in 10 games. In 1987 he signed with Queensland side Kedron for five games, but only played one after being called to a league meeting to explain taking his jumper off and dropping his shorts during the game and storming out after 60 seconds. In August 1986, Richmond coach Tony Jewell said Jackson would return to the Tigers for 1987 pre-season training but he didn't play again. Instead, Jackson went to America to try his hand at acting. When his show The Highwaymen was cancelled, Sydney announced a plan for him to replace Warwick Capper at full-forward. Jackson instead concentrated on his acting career, appearing in a worldwide advertising campaign for Energizer batteries.

Jackson released the singles I'm An Individual and Me Brain Hurts in 1985. The next year, an autobiography entitled Dumb Like A Fox Jackson revealed Demons Steven Smith, Darryl Cox and Peter Giles were amongst his most hated players, and that he had them on a supposed 'hit list' along with names like Trevor Barker and Bruce Doull.