Zak Jones had goosebumps during the Sydney Swans’ clash with Hawthorn on Friday night, but it wasn’t because of the nippy winter’s air that engulfed the SCG.

The hair on the speedster’s limbs stood tall as he caught a glimpse of the greatest goal-kicker in the game’s history on the big screen, locking his eyes on Tony Lockett watching on from the stands.

Lockett joined Paul Kelly, Michael O’Loughlin, Leo Barry and a host of other former Swans at a past-players function at the SCG, before settling in for the Swans’ 19-point win.

And although Jones had been steely-eyed as the opening minute of the second term ticked by, he couldn’t help but marvel at the man adored as ‘Plugger’ when he appeared on the big screen.

“I looked up at the screen at one stage and saw everyone giving Tony Lockett a round-of-applause,” Jones told SwansTV post-match.

“It was a pretty cool thing to look up and see one of the greatest of all time in our game sitting there in the stands. It was such a weird feeling, it gave me goosebumps and the respect everyone showed him was great to see.”

While the 29,553-strong crowd spared a moment to honour the former goal-kicking juggernaut, plenty of admired looks were saved for Jones on return from injury.

The pugnacious 24-year-old gathered 27 touches (11 contested) in his first match since Round 11, spearheading Sydney’s midfield brigade alongside Josh Kennedy, Luke Parker and George Hewett.

The 2018 season saw Jones play primarily off half-back, injecting searing pace into the Swans’ slingshot from defence, but he has this year shouldered a mountain of minutes at the heat of the contest.

The 82-game Swan says remaining calm is crucial to playing as an inside midfielder.

“It’s important that you just keep your composure,” Jones said.

“You don’t think too far ahead in the game. You just look next to you and know you’re with the best, so you know you can compete with the best – and it’s a great feeling.”