Jim Jess
Richmond · “The Ghost”
AFL career
223 games175 goals
- Debut
- R14 1976 v COL3 July 1976
- Most recent
- R16 1988 v STK16 July 1988
Stats
1988 | RCH | 5 | 6.8 | 2.4 | 9.2 | 2.8 | 1.2 | 1.0 | 0.2 | 0.0 | 0.2 | 33 |
1987 | RCH | 14 | 6.1 | 2.6 | 8.6 | 5.0 | 0.9 | 1.2 | 0.4 | 1.2 | 0.8 | 45 |
1986 | RCH | 19 | 8.0 | 3.1 | 11.1 | 4.3 | 1.7 | 1.1 | - | 0.6 | 0.3 | - |
1985 | RCH | 18 | 8.0 | 4.6 | 12.6 | 5.2 | 0.9 | 1.4 | - | 0.8 | 0.9 | - |
1984 | RCH | 21 | 10.2 | 4.5 | 14.8 | 5.3 | 1.5 | 1.7 | - | 1.3 | 1.1 | - |
1983 | RCH | 22 | 9.4 | 4.3 | 13.7 | 4.9 | 1.2 | 1.6 | - | 1.2 | 0.9 | - |
1982 | RCH | 18 | 11.7 | 3.9 | 15.7 | 4.9 | 1.6 | 1.4 | - | 0.2 | 0.3 | - |
1981 | RCH | 18 | 9.3 | 4.9 | 14.3 | 3.7 | 1.2 | 1.5 | - | 1.3 | 0.6 | - |
1980 | RCH | 25 | 10.2 | 4.9 | 15.1 | 4.0 | 1.2 | 1.5 | - | 0.3 | 0.1 | - |
1979 | RCH | 18 | 8.3 | 4.3 | 12.6 | 3.9 | 0.8 | 1.4 | - | 0.1 | 0.2 | - |
1978 | RCH | 19 | 7.9 | 3.3 | 11.2 | 3.5 | 1.7 | 1.9 | - | 1.1 | 0.9 | - |
1977 | RCH | 20 | 6.7 | 2.8 | 9.4 | 3.8 | 0.7 | 1.7 | - | 1.0 | 0.7 | - |
1976 | RCH | 6 | 8.3 | 2.0 | 10.3 | 4.7 | 2.2 | 0.7 | - | 1.0 | 0.3 | - |
Bio
Recruited from St Arnaud, Jim Jess became one of the most recognizable figures of his era, affectionately dubbed "The Ghost" due to his pale complexion and flowing blonde locks. A versatile key position player, he primarily operated as a tough, rebounding centre half-back but possessed the capacity to swing forward and become a dangerous target inside 50. His game was built on a booming right-foot kick, strong overhead marking, and an aggressive physical presence that made him a formidable opponent at either end of the ground.
Jess peaked during the 1980 season, where he was instrumental in Richmond's premiership campaign and earned All-Australian selection for his dominance in defence. While the Tigers' on-field fortunes declined significantly following the 1982 Grand Final loss, he remained a loyal and consistent servant to the club throughout a difficult decade. He retired in 1988 as a life member and a genuine cult hero at Punt Road, bridging the gap between the club's golden era and its subsequent lean years.
Profile
- Born
- 25 Jan 1955 (age 71y 269d)
- Height
- 189 cm
- Weight
- 85 kg
Teams
Honours
- Premiership1980
- Richmond B&F
- 3rd
- 1980
- Top 10
- 1978, 1979, 1982, 1983, 1986
Bio
1 revisionRecruited from St Arnaud, Jim Jess became one of the most recognizable figures of his era, affectionately dubbed "The Ghost" due to his pale complexion and flowing blonde locks. A versatile key position player, he primarily operated as a tough, rebounding centre half-back but possessed the capacity to swing forward and become a dangerous target inside 50. His game was built on a booming right-foot kick, strong overhead marking, and an aggressive physical presence that made him a formidable opponent at either end of the ground.
Jess peaked during the 1980 season, where he was instrumental in Richmond's premiership campaign and earned All-Australian selection for his dominance in defence. While the Tigers' on-field fortunes declined significantly following the 1982 Grand Final loss, he remained a loyal and consistent servant to the club throughout a difficult decade. He retired in 1988 as a life member and a genuine cult hero at Punt Road, bridging the gap between the club's golden era and its subsequent lean years.