Derek Kickett facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Derek Kickett |
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| Personal information | |||
| Full name | Derek Kickett | ||
| Date of birth | 6 October 1962 | ||
| Place of birth | Kellerberrin, Western Australia | ||
| Draft | No. 60, 1988 national draft | ||
| Career highlights | |||
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Leading Goal Kicker West Perth Football Club 1984 Claremont Premiership side 1987 R/Up Best & Fairest Claremont Football Club 1987 Record Number of Votes (46) Most in the Sandover Medal Count 1987 State Game WA vs SA, Best Player Award WACA 16 June 1987 State of Origin Game WA vs VIC, WACA 16 May 1989 State of Origin Game WA vs VIC, WACA 16 June 1990 State of Origin Game WA vs VIC MCG 26 May 1992 Leon Larkin Medal Winner WA vs VIC MCG 26 May 1992 Night Premiership Essendon vs Richmond 1993 State game WA vs Allies, Subiaco Oval 18 June 1995 State of Origin Game WA vs SA Football Park 2 June 1996 Graham Moss Medal Winner WA vs SA Football Park 2 June 1996 |
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Derek Thomas Kickett (born 6 October 1962) is a former professional Australian rules football player. He was known for his exciting style of play. Derek played for seven different clubs during his career. These included teams in the top leagues of Western Australia (WAFL), South Australia (SANFL), and the national AFL.
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Derek Kickett's Football Journey
Derek Kickett comes from a family of talented footballers. Many of his relatives have also played in the AFL. These include his nephews Dale Kickett and Lance "Buddy" Franklin. His other nephews are Byron Pickett and Jarrod Garlett. A well-known cousin is Nicky Winmar.
Starting His Senior Career
Derek began playing junior football at Central District in South Australia. He even won a championship with their Under-19 team in 1981. He then moved to Western Australia to start his senior career. He played for the West Perth Football Club in the West Australian Football League (WAFL). In 1984, he was their top goal scorer.
After a few years, Kickett moved to the Claremont Football Club in 1986. He quickly became a very important player for them. In 1987, Claremont had an amazing season. They won 21 games in a row and took home the WAFL championship!
Sandover Medal Controversy
In 1987, Derek Kickett received the most votes for the Sandover Medal. This award is given to the best player in the WAFL. However, he was not allowed to win it. This was because he had been suspended earlier in the season. If he had been eligible, he would have won the medal by a large number of votes.
Moving to the AFL
In 1988, Kickett played one season back at Central District. Then, in 1989, he was drafted by the North Melbourne Football Club in the VFL. This league later became the AFL. He played only one season there before moving on.
Playing for Essendon
In 1990, Derek Kickett joined the Essendon Football Club. He played there for four seasons and became a fan favorite. People loved his confident style, his high jumps, and his ability to get away from opponents. He was also known for his long, powerful kicks, especially the "torpedo punt."
He played every game in 1992 and 1993. However, in 1993, something very famous happened. His coach, Kevin Sheedy, decided not to pick him for the 1993 AFL Grand Final. Essendon went on to win the Grand Final without him. This decision was very controversial. Sheedy said Kickett's form wasn't good enough in the finals.
Kickett was very upset and left the club right away. He didn't watch the Grand Final or celebrate with his teammates. He and Sheedy didn't speak for 25 years, until 2018.
Later Career and Achievements
After leaving Essendon, Kickett was picked by the Sydney Swans. He played three seasons for Sydney. His very last AFL game was in the 1996 AFL Grand Final. Sadly, Sydney lost that game to North Melbourne.
In 1997, Kickett returned to the WAFL. He played one season with the Subiaco Football Club before retiring from professional football.
Derek Kickett has also played in several E. J. Whitten Legends Games. These are fun charity matches featuring former football stars. In 2007, he helped run programs for young Indigenous children in Victoria, teaching them about football.
In 2017, Derek Kickett was honored for his great career. He was inducted into the Western Australia Football Hall of Fame.
