Jack Silvagni has confirmed he will leave Carlton as an unrestricted free agent after a decade at the club, with Collingwood and the Western Bulldogs emerging as frontrunners for his signature.
The 27-year-old forward, a third-generation Blue, has met with several suitors in recent weeks. His decision to walk away has been described by former teammate Dale Thomas as “another loss” for the club.
“Hasn’t felt as valued as he should have been”
Speaking on Channel 7’s The Agenda Setters, Thomas reflected on the significance of Silvagni’s departure, both on and off the field.
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“We’ve spoken at lengths about the value that he had, just not on field, but also the way he’s been treated off field,” Thomas said. “How he hasn’t probably felt as valued as he should have been. It’s got to the point now when he’s out of contract, and he has the option to go and explore elsewhere.
“It’s going to leave a big hole. His defensive efforts and where he’s played has been awesome.”
While acknowledging the blow, Thomas stressed there was still reason for optimism. “The Blues now need to go and find somebody to replace that,” he added.
“There’s candidates like the Western Bulldogs, like Collingwood – who we think are the two frontrunners – that are going to get a bloody good player and somebody who they vitally need.
“It’s unfortunate again for the Blues, however, as we’ve touched on a little bit, it’s not all doom and gloom with what they’ve got coming in. We wish Jack the very best, but another loss for the Blues.”