Carlton father-son prospect Ben Silvagni says he is desperate to join the Blues

CARLTON list manager Stephen Silvagni had to excuse himself from one of the Blues’ draft combine interviews today. He knows the prospect well enough though – it was with his son, Ben.

Ben Silvagni trained with Carlton during the pre-season. Picture: AFL Media

CARLTON list manager Stephen Silvagni excused himself from today’s draft combine interview with son, Ben Silvagni.

Three clubs will meet Ben Silvagni at Marvel Stadium this week and the 194cm swingman told the Herald Sun he was desperate to join brother Jack at the Blues.

“It’s pretty exciting to be interviewed by the club I’ve always wanted to play for,” Silvagni said.

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“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 a good chance 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.

Ben Silvagni trained with the Blues earlier in the year. Picture: AFL Media

“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.

“He’ll probably go and get a coffee and a donut, he loves that. I speak to him enough at home.”

Silvagni grew up in the Carlton changerooms and idolised Brendan Fevola and Chris Judd, with some of his favourite memories kicking the footy with ‘Fev’ as a child.

Silvagni has kicked multiple bags of eight and seven goals at school level but only played four TAC Cup games this year.

The Silvagni family together in 2002.

“I had an all right year playing school footy, I don’t think I did anything dazzling, but I think I played better at TAC (Cup) level,” he said.

“I think I like the faster pace.”

Ben, 18, and Jack, 21 in December, have never played footy together because of their age gap.

Silvagni sported a brace on his hand yesterday, which has ruled him out for the past two months.

“I’ve chipped the bone in my thumb and stretched the ligaments,” he said.