But to those of us who cherish heritage – a diminishing contingent of fogeys, to be sure – it would be far worse to see the scion of the Silvagni clan in a Collingwood jumper alongside the Daicii.
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Jack Silvagni has excelled in his new role as a key defender this year, in a grim season for the besieged Blues. His late-season groin injury probably deprived him of his highest finish yet in the John Nicholls Medal.
Hitherto, a jack of all trades, who did not have a settled position, Silvagni has become a master of one.
His improved form and sound judgment as a key back supporting Jacob Weitering has been sufficient to win him a contract offer for four years at near enough to $600,000 from Carlton.
This is a fair offer. As a free agent, Silvagni has every right to explore his options, but he should not expect a vastly superior offer from Collingwood or anyone.
Stephen Silvagni in action against Collingwood and Anthony Rocca at the MCG.Credit: Vince Caligiuri
Carlton’s willingness to offer four years is a show of faith, considering he did not play for 600 days – missing the entire 2024 – following a knee reconstruction on the eve of that season.
Once relatively optimistic about retaining Silvagni, the Blues are less so now. They are merely hopeful. Jack is genuinely weighing up his options, I’m told. At this stage, it is choice of the ancient foes.
The more ruthless and unsentimental at the Blues will not be panicked about the prospect of the third-generation Silvagni leaving. While a versatile and courageous player of value, he’s still a second-tier footballer who can be replaced, if not immediately. He is not Curnow, Sam Walsh or Weitering.
What must be more concerning for the Carlton hierarchy is there are at least three players contemplating, to varying degrees, a move to another club, since it raises questions about the environment at Royal Parade.
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In addition to Curnow’s and Silvagni’s contemplations of a move, Tom De Koning is long odds to stay, thanks to the offer from the club whose list manager happens to be Jack Silvagni’s feted father.
Stephen Silvagni’s estrangement from the club that he and his father served so brilliantly – both are members of Carlton’s team of the century – adds poignancy to the possibility of his son walking to Collingwood, of all clubs.
SOS, removed as list manager in late 2019 because of Carlton’s view that he had a conflict of interest in relation to his sons, has been at odds with Carlton since, snubbing the 30-year reunion of the 1995 premiership this year.
One would hope that Jack’s decision – staying or leaving – is completely based on his own career aspirations.
In an era of hardened professionals who flip clubs as if they were lawyers changing firms, it is natural that footballers, too, wish to further their careers.
Jack Silvagni (left) has eased the defensive load on Jacob Weitering.Credit: AFL Photos
Jack Silvagni might reckon that Collingwood, as the top-placed side, are closer to silverware than the family firm, which has struggled mightily since his father retired.
In terms of family name and connection to club, the Silvagnis are comparable with the Kennedys at Hawthorn. It is true that Josh Kennedy, too, ended up leaving his grandfather’s and father’s club, literally the family club in Kennedy’s case, to establish himself as a star with the Swans.
Josh Kennedy, though, had good reason to leave. He was behind Sam Mitchell, Luke Hodge, Jordan Lewis and Brad Sewell in the inside midfielder pecking order, in a stacked team.
That said, it is still grating to some of us to consider that the Hawks let a Kennedy leave. Had Hawthorn known Josh’s hidden capabilities, I doubt it would’ve happened.
Jack Silvagni has no need to leave Carlton for opportunity. Indeed, while better than Billy Frampton, it is also conceivable that the Pies will stumble upon someone more athletic as a potential foil to Darcy Moore. There are risks for Jack at Collingwood, too.
If he’s looking out for No.1, I hope that, in the interests of Carlton’s heritage, their No.1 stays.