“I’M very proud of him.”

It’s poignant that in 2019 Sir Doug Nicholls Round, Carlton will be coming up against St Kilda of all teams.

After all, this year marks the 50th anniversary since Syd Jackson first ran out in Navy Blue against the Saints.

History would write that on the day, a debuting Jackson collected 28 disposals and two goals in a best-afield performance.

Now, with Carlton preparing to take on the Saints on Sunday, another emerging Indigenous Blue will don the No.5 guernsey worn with esteem by Jackson over 136 games.

Returning to Ikon Park on Friday, the trailblazer said he was a big fan of the incumbent: Sam Petrevski-Seton.

“He’s fantastic, I like the way he plays,” Jackson said.

“He’s a good mover and a good ball-getter with some pace about him, and he carries the ball well. He fits into the team.”

When asked what piece of advice he would give Petrevski-Seton if he saw him, Jackson - who also arrived at Carlton via Western Australia - said it was critical to embrace the Club and everything that goes with it.

WATCH: The best of Syd

The Hall of Famer said Carlton was and has remained his home, ever since retiring as a dual premiership player in 1976.

“He’s lucky to be among a good family of Carlton players here, as well as the members and followers,” he said.

“You’ll find that the football club will look after you if you do the right thing by this club.

“Absolutely [this is my home], I never left it. It gave me my first opportunity on the big stage and I’ve enjoyed that — I thank the Carlton Football Club for that.”

While ’Samo’ may be surprised by the words of recognition and advice from Jackson, the returning champion also received quite the surprise at Ikon Park.

Liam Stocker and Sam Walsh were on hand to present Syd Jackson with a special gift. (Photo: Carlton Media)

In the embodiment of the Club honouring its past and owning the future, Sam Walsh and Liam Stocker were on hand to present Jackson with a very special gift: the “mind-blowing” Indigenous jumper which Carlton will be running out in on Sunday.

Just minutes beforehand, Jackson stated in no uncertain terms how keen he was on getting his hands on one.

“It’s fantastic. I’m going to try and track it down and get one for myself,” he said.

“Beware Shelley, I’ll be coming after you!”