“IT’S ALWAYS so exciting to come back home to the Carlton Football Club.”

Ahead of the Blues’ home Sir Doug Nicholls Round clash with GWS, a favourite son couldn’t turn down the chance to get back to IKON Park with the kids.

Forever a centurion in Navy Blue, Jeff Garlett was back on Royal Parade with son Nason and daughter Estelle, relishing the opportunity to catch up with old friends and reconnect at the old ground.

There was even the chance for Nason to kick some footies back to the Blues of the current day, too.

Speaking to Carlton Media, Garlett said IKON Park continued to hold a very special place in his heart.

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"It's good to come home": Garlett on return to Carlton

Jeff Garlett joins Carlton Media for a quick chat about his return to IKON Park and bringing his kids to the club.

“It’s an awesome feeling, to bring the kids and show them where I have been and where I developed. Seeing all the boys, Jordan Russell who I played with and Zaccy Williams, plus I also met ‘Whitey’ [current No.38, Will White],” Garlett said.

“It definitely is a special place. They gave me the opportunity from the get go: I love the Club. I’m very grateful for the opportunity, both here and at Melbourne who gave me a second chance.

“Spending 11 years in the system, to create a pathway hopefully for the kids coming through - it’s very special to me.”

It was just this week that Garlett appeared on Carlton’s social media channels, with Harry Lemmey and Jaxon Binns both singling out Garlett’s 2013 elimination final goal as their favourite, ‘deadliest’ moment from an Indigenous Blue.

Given the two were nine and eight at the time and weren’t even Carlton supporters growing up, it’s clear that Garlett will always be remembered for the highlights he created in the Navy Blue jumper.

“It’s definitely nice to hear. ‘Nase’ actually mentioned it to me the other day, saying I was on the socials - it’s awesome.

“You hold those memories forever.”

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Highlights | The best of Jeff Garlett

Watch the best highlights of Jeff Garlett in his time at Carlton.

There was a little bit of extra time to catch up with Will White, the current No.38 who admits to loving watch Garlett play growing up as a boyhood Bluebagger.

That’s despite their different allegiances these days, with Garlett continuing to run around for Portland in the Hampden Football League - the same competition as White’s beloved South Warrnambool, with the two teams going head to head next week.

“There’s a bit of a rivalry there next week, even though he’s wearing the No.38! It’s great to see the No.38 running around on a small forward.

“I said to him ‘just keep putting on pressure, chase and tackle - that wins games’. As long as he keeps playing his role, he’ll have a bright future for the Club.”