Instead, on December 5, 2024, Tom Silvagni—son of legendary former Australian rules football player Stephen Silvagni—won his case before a jury. He was subsequently convicted on two counts of rape. The verdict comes after a long-running trial in the Victorian County Court. While the case details are shocking to their core, it’s the direct effects on the victim and her family that go much deeper.
In the early morning of January 14, 2024, Tom Silvagni chose his victim. He tricked her into thinking he was her romantic partner. He lured her under completely false pretenses by claiming that her boyfriend’s Uber had been canceled. She challenged him that her boyfriend would be back any second. This manipulation included doctoring an Uber receipt to suggest that her boyfriend had left the residence around 2:30 AM.
Throughout Tom Silvagni’s pre-sentence hearing, the victim herself read a poignant, 28-minute impact statement. She poignantly explained how the assault created an “evil” cloud that affected every experience in her life and every relationship she had. This testimony put a spotlight on the trauma she endured from this digital rape. Silvagni perpetrated this affront against her twice that evening.
Regardless of the jury’s verdict, throughout this process Tom Silvagni has claimed innocence. His family has been just as outspoken in their support for him during this tumultuous past week.
“Our son continues to maintain his innocence and we stand firmly behind him.” – Stephen Silvagni
Tom Silvagni’s name remained under a suppression order until it was lifted on Thursday at 4:30 PM, allowing public disclosure of the verdict. With the Silvagni family’s acceptance of the judgment, it is still uncertain what their next steps are in regard to taking legal action going forward.
Stephen Silvagni, a Carlton football legend, has made an unflinching declaration of loyalty to his son. He continues to support him today in this difficult time.
“We all love and support our son, Tom.” – Stephen Silvagni
He further stated, “Our goal is to clear his name and bring him home.”
Tom Silvagni, originally charged with rape in June 2024, faces sentencing Wednesday. At the time of the hearing, he was still clothed in prison greens—with the disturbing spectacle of him listening to his victim’s impact statement through a video link. The atmosphere in the courtroom was tense as both parties awaited the final judgment about a sentence.
As you might expect, the case has garnered considerable media attention. The publicity was driven first by the high-profile players involved and then by the serious criminal charges. What the Silvagni family will do next is unclear as they process the implications of this verdict.
