St Kilda Lands Jack Silvagni in Aggressive Offseason Push, Carlton Braces for Impact
St Kilda is making a bold statement this offseason, securing Carlton defender Jack Silvagni with a lucrative eight-year deal reportedly worth between $1.7 and $1.8 million annually.This acquisition highlights the Saints’ ambitious plans and signals a potential shift in power within the AFL.Simultaneously occurring, Carlton faces a challenging period navigating player departures and trade requests.
A Family Legacy Heads to Moorabbin
Silvagni’s move is particularly noteworthy given his deep-rooted family history with the Blues. The son of Carlton legend Stephen Silvagni and grandson of hall of Famer Sergio silvagni, Jack carries a critically importent legacy.Both his father and grandfather were pivotal members of Carlton premiership teams, making the name “Silvagni” synonymous with the club.
He was initially drafted by Carlton as a father-son selection in 2015 (pick 53) and blossomed into a key defender, notably limiting star forward Charlie naughton to just six touches in a standout performance earlier this year – a game that clearly caught the Saints’ attention.
What This Means for Carlton
The loss of Silvagni, after 10 seasons with the club, is a blow to Carlton. However, the fact that he’s an unrestricted free agent means the Blues will receive a first-round compensation pick in the upcoming draft – likely higher than initially anticipated. Carlton will also gain a first-round pick for the departure of fellow player Lewis De Koning.
Adding to the complexity, the Blues have rejected a trade request from key forward Charlie Curnow. While curnow remains with the club for now, a suitable trade offer could still see him depart. Carlton is currently navigating a player exodus, making these decisions critical for their future success.
St Kilda’s Recruiting Spree: Building a Contender
St Kilda isn’t stopping at Silvagni. The club is aggressively bolstering its roster, signaling a clear intent to contend for a premiership. Here’s a look at their recent moves:
Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera: Re-signed on a two-year deal worth $2 million per season.
Leek Aleer: Expected to join from Greater Western Sydney.
Liam Ryan: Likely to arrive from West Coast.
Sam Flanders: Currently being targeted from Gold Coast.
* former Carlton Connections: Silvagni and De Koning join Liam Stocker and Paddy Dow, all previously at Carlton during Stephen Silvagni’s tenure as list manager (2014-2019).
This influx of talent, coupled with their existing draft pick (currently #7), positions St Kilda as a team to watch closely in the coming seasons. Interestingly, the saints previously attempted to recruit Brodie Kemp from Carlton last year and reportedly made an offer to Jacob Weitering when he was a free agent in 2024.The Silvagni Family Connection & List Management Dynamics
The moves are particularly fascinating considering stephen Silvagni’s career trajectory. He previously served as a recruiting manager for both the Giants (2011-2014) and Carlton (2014-2019) before becoming St Kilda’s list manager in 2023. This adds another layer to the narrative, as he’s now bringing players he previously identified and drafted to his current club.
Looking Ahead
St Kilda finished 12th in 2025, but these strategic acquisitions suggest a renewed focus on building a competitive team. The upcoming trade period will be crucial for finalizing these deals and shaping the saints’ roster for the future. For Carlton, the challenge lies in managing player departures, securing adequate compensation, and rebuilding a team capable of returning to premiership contention.
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