By Sam McClure and Peter Ryan
Collingwood have formally submitted a contract offer for Carlton’s Jack Silvagni, who has all but certainly played his last game in navy blue.
The Magpies have offered the versatile, out-of-contract player a four-year deal, which is the same tenure Carlton offered to keep him, according to two industry sources familiar with the offer who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss contracts.
The Blues have tabled a contract offer to Jack Silvagni but he’s fielding offers from other clubs.Credit: Getty Images
Significantly, Collingwood’s financial offer is almost identical to that of the Blues – both offers are in the mid-$600,000 per season – which means Silvagni’s decision will have little to do with money.
Given his ability to play in various positions and the fact he will cost less than $700,000 per season, Silvagni may attract more bidders than Collingwood before the October trade period.
Multiple sources at clubs, and those close to Silvagni, suggested it was unlikely he and Carlton would be able to mend their relationship and extend his time at the Blues into 2026.
Several senior players have expressed their frustration at what they believe is a wasted season and morale is low as they prepare to fly to Perth this week to take on finals’ contender Fremantle at Optus Stadium on Sunday.
Silvagni’s departure would be a sad end (at least for now) to the family line at Carlton, which has lasted for three generations. Jack’s father, Stephen, one of the best players to pull on a Carlton jumper, departed the club in controversial circumstances in 2019 when he was list manager.
Collingwood defender Dan Houston is a close friend of Silvagni and initially wanted to be traded to the Blues when he was leaving Port Adelaide at the end of last year. He was asked about potentially teaming up with his mate in black and white stripes next year.
“I haven’t spoken to him too much about it. It looks like he’s got a decision to make, so I’ll stay out of that. I’m good mates with him, but that’s a business decision for him,” Houston told this masthead in the victorious Collingwood rooms at the MCG on Sunday.
Carlton have tabled what they believe is a fair offer for Silvagni, who has been playing a new role in defence this year. The club declined to comment on contracts, but officials have privately pointed to his injury history.
Silvagni, who turns 28 in December, has played 128 games for Carlton and may not add to that tally given he is rehabilitating a groin injury.
Given the nature of the injury and the fact Carlton will not play finals, it’s conceivable he won’t play in the navy No.1 guernsey again.
He missed the 2024 season after rupturing his ACL during a pre-season training session. In the previous two seasons he played in 37 of a possible 49 games.
It is becoming increasingly likely that Carlton will lose players to rival clubs in the upcoming trade period, with ruckman Tom De Koning headed for St Kilda on a monster deal.
Silvagni attended a gathering for players and staff on Saturday to celebrate champion defender Jacob Weitering’s 200th game.
Two sources from other clubs, granted anonymity to speak freely, were under the impression star forward Charlie Curnow would still be open to a move to a premiership contender.
However, Curnow publicly pledged his future to the Blues last Thursday night, addressing previous reports that he had become frustrated at Carlton and was interested in a trade to the Gold Coast Suns.
Curnow will be 29 by round one next year and has played in just three finals in his career so far.
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