He was considered a highly skilled player noted for his accuracy, particularly with his stab-kick passes.

By 1908 he had earned a reputation as one of the premier players in the VFL and the following season he led South Melbourne to their first League premiership as captain-coach.

Despite this success he was replaced as captain-coach for 1910 by William Thomas, but he regained his position for 1912, leading South Melbourne to a (losing) VFL Grand Final.

For 1913 he was again denied the opportunity to captain the side by the disapproving South committee (despite winning the vote).

Ricketts moved back to Richmond, who were now in the VFL, for the 1913 and 1914 seasons before taking the reins as a non-playing coach for 1915 and 1916.