Visitors to the Hawks Museum can step back in time, 100 years ago and learn more about our first VFL/AFL Captain, Jim Jackson.  As part of the museum’s latest presentation in recognising Hawthorn’s first game in the VFL in 1925, Rod Quartermain, a great nephew of Jim Jackson, has kindly loaned Jackson’s Debut Tie 001 for display.

Jackson had an illustrious football career, playing one game with St Kilda in 1909 before moving to Collingwood in 1910.  He played 93 games between 1910 and 1915 and, in 1920, made a name for himself as one of the finest wingmen in his era.  Unfortunately for Jackson, military service denied him the opportunity of premiership success in 1919.

Esteemed football writer, Kickero reported in the Melbourne Herald on April 29, 1921, that Jim Jackson, who resided near the Glenferrie Oval, had been invited to join the committee of the local football club, Hawthorn.  As was hoped, he played as well.  His presence and experience would be a positive influence on the younger players.

Jackson was appointed captain in 1921 and 1922, when the Club played in the VFA.  Hawthorn was admitted to the VFL in 1925.  Jackson had the honour of assuming the captaincy once more, leading them in their first VFL game.  Before that game, the Football Record said, "Men such as Jim Jackson, the old Collingwood stalwart, are just the sort to work a young team into a side that will have to be reckoned with."

Jackson played 22 games, mainly at full-back.  His experience and astute football brain saw him listed regularly among Hawthorn’s best players.  He retired late in 1926 due to persistent leg injuries.  He returned to the Club in 1932, aged 42, as non-playing coach, winning just three of their 19 games for the season.

Since Jim Jackson made his debut in the club’s first VFL/AFL game in 1925, 973 players have represented the club at senior level.  Current players to make their Hawthorn Debut this season so far are Mabior Chol (968), Massimo D’Ambrosio (969), Jack Ginivan, (970) Nick Watson (971), Calsher Dear (972) and Ethan Phillips (973).

Jim Jackson – HFC Debut Order 001

Born April 28, 1890 – Died August 29, 1976
Games: VFA 53, VFL 22
Captain: VFA 1921-1922, VFL 1925
Played: 1921-1926
HFC Committee: 1921-1926
Non-Playing Coach: 1932