Carlton chief Cain Liddle defends decision to move on Stephen Silvagni in members’ forum

Carlton has hosed down discontent from members over the exit of club legend Stephen Silvagni, claiming it has been “completely transparent” with its reasons over not renewing his contract.

Carlton chief executive Cain Liddle insists Stephen Silvagni’s conflict of interest hampered the club’s football department as members continued to vent their displeasure.

Liddle defended the failed recruitment of Richmond ­defender Brandon Ellis, saying the ­entire list management group was aware of Liddle using his links to the former Tiger to lure him to Ikon Park.

The Blues’ hierarchy had gone to ground for five days, refusing to publicly discuss why it parted ways with Silvagni, apart from ­releasing a statement about his conflict of interest over his sons.

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­On Monday it finally used a members’ internet forum organised before the Silvagni decision to try to explain.

The anger from members was palpable, some saying they were appalled by Silvagni’s treatment and ­accusing the Blues of effectively sacking the club great.

But Liddle held the line, ­adamant Silvagni excusing himself from list management meetings handcuffed the football department.

He made clear that all list management decisions were robustly discussed among the entire group, despite player agents believing the team was often not on the same page.

Stephen Silvagni was unable to take part in key list management discussions and decisions, says Blues chief Cain Liddle. Picture: Michael Klein

Liddle said it was agreed by all in the list management group he would use his links to Ellis, through Richmond, Vic Metro and the Calder Cannons, to lure him across before the club eventually abandoned its pursuit post Round 23.

Liddle said the list management group, chaired by director and club Chris Judd was on the same page with approaches to Tom Papley, Ellis, Josh Deluca and Jack Martin.

“All players who were approached from other clubs as part of our 2019 list management strategy were discussed and rigorously debated over the course of many months at list management,” he said.

“Everyone on list management was very clear of the role I was playing with Brandon.

“We had individual plans in place for each of our target players that were regularly discussed at list management. I was one of Brandon’s coaches both at the Calder Cannons and Vic Metro in the national championships, and I obviously spent a number of years with him at Richmond, so it was agreed that we would leverage that relationship in our discussions with Brandon, who was set to become a free agent.”

Carlton tried to lure Brandon Ellis, who eventually went to Gold Coast.

But Carlton fans wanting more detail on Silvagni’s departure were left sadly wanting.

“We were completely transparent with the messaging around Stephen's contract not being renewed,” Liddle said.

“To have the club’s most senior list management staff member not take part in key discussions and decisions regarding the playing list and the broader operations of the football department became an increasingly challenging issue that was not in the best interests of the Carlton Football Club.

“The easy decision would have been to let the situation continue which was not seeing the football department running at its optimal level. The much tougher decision is to bring someone else in who can play a part in all relevant decisions and discussions that take place within the football department.”

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On Monday more evidence of the confusing list management picture emerged when mid-season draftee Josh Deluca said he was “shocked and devastated” to be delisted.

He had been told by the club when it secured him in the mid-season draft he would likely be kept on in 2020, with speculation his recruitment did not have unanimous support at list management.

Earlier the club had released a beautiful set of numbers under CEO Liddle – a 47 per cent increase in home attendance, record membership (64,269) and a net profit of $2,492,164.

That figure swelled to $6.2 million when government grants for the club’s Ikon Park redevelopment was factored in, with $2.4 million of debt written off.

Originally published as Carlton chief Cain Liddle defends decision to move on Stephen Silvagni in members’ forum