Ricky Petterd
A versatile forward whose AFL career was defined by flashes of brilliant play and a persistent battle with injury.
Born 1988 (age 38)·Australian rules footballer·Birthday: July 24·Millennials
Biography
Ricky Petterd kicked five goals on his AFL debut for Melbourne in 2007, instantly becoming a fan favorite. Hailing from Queensland, a non-traditional footy state, he moved to Melbourne as a teenager to pursue his dream. A clever half-forward, he showed a sharp football brain, clean hands, and a knack for crucial goals. Serious injuries repeatedly interrupted his trajectory—a collapsed lung and shoulder reconstructions among them. A trade to Richmond added defensive grit to his game, but his body could not sustain elite demands. His career, shorter than hoped, is remembered for passionate highlights and what-might-have-been potential.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Ricky was born in 1988, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Ricky Was Born
The biggest hits of 1988
#1 Movie
Rain Man
Best Picture
Rain Man
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Ricky's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1988Born
Pan Am Flight 103 bombed over Lockerbie
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $74,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Faith" — George MichaelBest Picture: Rain Man
1993Started school
European Union officially established
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $86,600Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"I Will Always Love You" — Whitney HoustonBest Picture: Schindler's List
2001Became a teenager
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2004Could drive
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2006Could vote
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2009Turned 21
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2018Turned 30
Royal wedding of Harry and Meghan; Parkland shooting
Gas: $2.72/galHome: $211,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"God's Plan" — DrakeBest Picture: Green Book
2026Age 38 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Kicked five goals in his AFL debut for Melbourne against Geelong in Round 5, 2007.
- Played 83 AFL games across seven seasons for Melbourne and Richmond.
- Was part of Richmond's playing list during their period of resurgence under coach Damien Hardwick.
- Won the Frankston YCW Football Club best and fairest award in the VFL in 2014 after returning from injury.
Did You Know?
He was a talented junior cricketer and represented Queensland at the Under-17 national championships.
After football, he transitioned into a career in commercial real estate.
He is of German descent on his father's side.
His cousin, Brad Miller, also played AFL for Melbourne and Richmond.
“I moved states alone at sixteen; football was my ticket and my test.”
