SW's finest into Hall of Fame

One of the South West's finest football products received a major honour last night, when Sydney Jackson was inducted into the NAB West Australian Football Hall of Fame.

Considered one of the best footballers to come from the South West, Jackson won two Hayward Medals by the age of 18 as the best player in the then South West National Football League.Jackson said the highlight of his career in the South West was the two Hayward medals.

Then South Bunbury president, the late Dr Ern Manea had a major impact on his life and football career according to Jackson, who spotted and recruited the then-teenager playing football with others at the Roelands Mission.

Dr Manea adopted Jackson and made him part of the family, helping Jackson become a football star.

"He had a huge influence on me," Jackson said.

"He stabilised me quite a bit."

Jackson played 104 games for East Perth between 1963 and 1967. A suspension cost him a Sandover Medal in his first season.

After five seasons for the Royals, Jackson went to play for Carlton where he enjoyed premiership success in 1970 and 1972 while playing 136 games for the then Victorian Football League club.

Jackson said the Carlton Football Club looked after him well and he fondly remembers the two premiership wins.

After eight seasons and 136 games for Carlton, Jackson accepted an opportunity to play in the SANFL with Glenelg (13 games in 1977).

His senior career spanned 15 seasons and three states during which he played 254 games.

Jackson said it was an unexpected honour to be inducted into the prestigious hall of fame.

"It is quite surprising and a great honour," he said.

"There are just so many great players around."