Silvagni shuffle helps decide roster at Blues
CARLTON list manager Stephen Silvagni excused himself from yesterday’s draft combine interview with son, Ben Silvagni.
Three clubs will meet Ben Silvagni at Marvel Stadium this week and the 194cm swingman told News Corp he was desperate to join brother Jack at the Blues.
“It’s pretty exciting to be inDARCY terviewed by the club I’ve always wanted to play for,” Silvagni said.
“Obviously Jack’s there and it would be a dream to play with him. It’s pretty cool knowing they’re showing interest in me and I could potentially be playing for them in a few months’ time.
“It’s been my dream ever since I was a little boy to play for Carlton.”
Hawthorn and Melbourne have also booked interviews with Silvagni. The versatile tall is viewed as a late draft selection and appears likely to be snapped up by the Blues.
Younger brother Tom Silvagni will be eligible in the 2020 draft, meaning three Silvagnis could play together at Carlton in 2021.
“I’m pretty versatile, I can play at both ends of the ground,” Ben Silvagni said.
“I can be a lockdown defender or a lead-up forward, so I think that’s a pretty big attribute that could appeal to a few clubs.
“If you’d asked me at the start of the year I would’ve said I’m a forward, but I think I showed my colours down back in the national championships.
“So I’ve completely changed my tune and now I say the backline.”
Silvagni kept “smart” West Australian forward Dillon O’Reilly to two goals and then held 197cm Hugo Munn goalless in the second half against South Australia.
“I probably didn’t work as hard as I should’ve last year but I think I’ve showed what I’m capable of this year,” he said.
“I don’t think (dad) is allowed to be in my interview. He’s just left it to the other recruiters, so it should be pretty interesting.”