Jack Silvagni is the most important player at Carlton. In all likelihood, his stint with the Swans will soon come to an end and he will begin playing for another team in the Australian Football League (AFL). In doing it, at the age of 27, Silvagni became the first male from his family to don a different jumper in the league. It was a major turning point in his profession.
With trade season drawing increasingly close, the speedster’s attention has turned to consideration of offers from a trio of suitors. He is rewarding team culture and premiership aspirations above cash bonuses or a homesickness factor. Instead, Carlton officials are waking up to the prospect that they could soon be bidding farewell to their most important defender. Negotiations indicate that a relocation to Collingwood, which had once appeared all but certain, is now more fraught.
Silvagni’s best friend Dan Houston recalled being seen as an X-factor for Collingwood. This year, the Western Bulldogs have stepped up to become serious challengers. They’re creating networks through Silvagni’s ex-teammates, Liam Jones and Rory Lobb.
Bobby has been a huge fan of the Bulldogs. I’m already loving how much this club embraced me and my family since moving here. This sentiment, along with many like it, should be cause for celebration in terms of the positive environment that the team has created.
“I mentioned a few of the leaders before in Libba and Bont, the way they’ve put their arms around me and really tried to learn structure and stoppage and whatnot as well as the coaches.” – Jack Silvagni
Silvagni credit the Bulldogs’ leaders for their strength and guidance. More than anything, he focused on his relationships with Carlton’s leaders, knowing he would need them more than ever in this time of limbo. He’s reestablished a positive relationship with the other clubs. Still, he’s a cult figure at Carlton, and officials are very much intent on doing everything possible to retain him.
Here’s how the industry commentators have reacted to Silvagni’s possible departure. Premiership winners Luke Hodge and Kane Cornes to the Silvagni-Bulldogs link would be a “perfect fit”. They’re looking forward to their first year working together. It’s clear that the shared bond and similar mindset among players is impressively affecting Silvagni’s selection-making.
So negotiations are still continuing, and all three current offers in this round are competitive and close. Silvagni’s decision can’t be based on dollars alone.
“I think the Blues are the third option right now.” – Cleary
