Carlton Football Club has today proudly unveiled its 2017 Indigenous Guernsey, honouring Blues champion and dual premiership player, Syd Jackson.
In conjunction with apparel partner Nike, the guernsey was designed by Indigenous artist Trevor Pickett, a distant relative of current Blues player Jarrod Pickett.
Depicting the life and story of Jackson, the front of the guernsey features seven boomerangs, representing the Roeland Southwest Native Mission on Seven Hills Road where he was taken as part of the Stolen Generation.
The footprints on the guernsey showcase Jackson leaving alone on his journey to the east to pursue football and the five footprints symbolise the number five that he made famous when playing for the Blues.
Jackson went on to play 136 games for Carlton between 1969 and 1976, which are depicted on the guernsey by 136 circles. The dual premiership player was inducted into the Club’s Hall of Fame in 2006.
Carlton's Indigenous players Kym Lebois, Samo Petrevski-Seton, Liam Jones and Jarrod Pickett model the Blues' 2017 Indigenous Guernsey. (Photo: Carlton Media)
Pickett said the boomerangs, featured on the back of the guernsey, symbolise an important message for Jackson.
“The boomerangs feature quite heavily in the design, and the seven boomerangs represent the seven hills road of the Aboriginal mission he was taken to. It is an essential message that no matter where Syd’s journey takes him, he will always return,” Pickett said.
“In addition, the two spears represent the two premierships Syd played a key role in for the Blues in 1970 and 1972. I am extremely proud to have designed this guernsey for the Club this year, particularly in honour of such a champion of the Club.”
Carlton Football Club would also like to acknowledge the support of long-standing apparel partner Nike for its support in producing the limited edition guernsey.
The Blues will run out in the 2017 Indigenous Guernsey when they face North Melbourne at Etihad Stadium on Sunday 28 May.
Please note that unfortunately Carlton's 2017 Indigenous Guernsey is not available for retail. The match-worn guernseys will be auctioned. As an alternative, a limited edition scarf is available as part of the Blues' Indigenous Round membership.
