In a surprising twist during this year’s AFL free agency period, Jack Silvagni, a third-generation player from Carlton, may be facing a move to fierce rivals Collingwood. The 27-year-old, who has received four-year contract offers from both clubs, was confirmed to have met with Magpies coach Craig McRae.
Veteran journalist Caroline Wilson has shed light on the escalating tensions between Silvagni and Carlton, highlighting a growing rift. According to Wilson, Silvagni has felt mistreated by the club, which could be influencing his potential departure. His father, Stephen Silvagni, a Carlton legend, has had his own conflicts with the club, even opting to avoid club functions amid ongoing disputes.
Jack Silvagni has demonstrated significant promise on the field, particularly this season as he established himself as a key defender, despite setbacks from injuries. However, Wilson has remarked on the importance of the rivalry between Carlton and Collingwood and expressed regret at the thought of him joining the Magpies.
The situation is compounded by personal rivalries within the clubs, such as between Carlton’s CEO Graham Wright and Collingwood’s CEO Craig Kelly, who were once close friends but have seemingly grown apart. This underlying tension suggests that a Silvagni transfer would add yet another layer to the storied rivalry.
Complicating matters further, Silvagni is currently nursing a groin injury and does not have a set return date on the horizon. Additionally, there are reports of interest from the Western Bulldogs, with a meeting planned in the coming weeks.
As Carlton attempts damage control to retain Silvagni, the outcome remains uncertain. The decisions made by both player and clubs in the coming days could reverberate throughout the league and potentially reshape the future of one of Carlton’s most storied footballing families.