- Exclusive
- Sport
- AFL
- Trading and drafting
Second rival club joins the race for Silvagni
By Peter Ryan and Michael Gleeson
Read the latest update on the race for Jack Silvagni’s signature here
The Western Bulldogs have emerged as a potential suitor for Carlton’s Jack Silvagni as a solution to their defensive woes.
The unrestricted free agent, who has carried the famous Silvagni name in 128 matches with the Blues, has already met with the coach of arch-rival Collingwood, Craig McRae, about a potential move to the Magpies.
Third-generation Blue Jack Silvagni is attracting interest as a free agent.Credit: AFL Photos
The Bulldogs’ interest arose as it emerged Silvagni may not continue his career with the club his father, Stephen, and grandfather Sergio represented with such distinction.
This masthead reported on Monday that the Magpies’ four-year contract offer was worth roughly the same amount – in the mid-$650,000 range – as the Blues had offered to keep him.
This made it apparent to other clubs that he could be enticed away from Ikon Park for less than $700,000 a season.
As a free agent, Silvagni can join a club of his choice if he decides to leave.
Two competition sources said Silvagni appeals to the Western Bulldogs because of his versatility, as they assess suitable options to bolster their defence. The Bulldogs, who have not made a formal offer, were contacted for comment.
Silvagni showed outstanding form as a defender in 13 matches this season before a groin injury sidelined him. He could fit into a Bulldogs line-up that has been stretched in defence at times this season.
Silvagni had previously been an excellent contributor to the Blues as a second ruck and forward who was known for his tremendous work ethic.
The Bulldogs have struggled for height in defence this season, with Liam Jones being overlooked in all but one match in the second half of the season, and Taylor Duryea on the fringes.
Rory Lobb has been a revelation while James O’Donnell has battled manfully. Emerging defenders Luke Cleary and Jedd Busslinger are working hard to find their feet.
Matt Kennedy was traded from Carlton to the Bulldogs.Credit: AFL Photos
The Bulldogs recruited Blues midfielder Matt Kennedy during last year’s trade period and the tough on-baller is having an outstanding season at Whitten Oval.
Silvagni is a close friend of Collingwood’s gun recruit Dan Houston (pictured).Credit: AFL Photos
The Bulldogs remain in the hunt for finals. The result of their match against the Giants on Thursday night will have a large bearing on their season.
McRae confirmed he had met with the 27-year-old Silvagni, a close friend of Dan Houston, who crossed to Collingwood from Port Adelaide for this season.
“Yeah I did,” McRae said on Wednesday. “And I’m confident to say we’ll keep exploring what the best version of us looks like, and when there’s free agents available, we’ll keep exploring those things.”
“I just met with a young man and ... we had a first date to see if we like each other,” McRae added.
“Yeah, I could go on a second date with Jack.”
With Roy Ward and AAP
Keep up to date with the best AFL coverage in the country. Sign up for the Real Footy newsletter.