Jack Silvagni joins St Kilda, ends Carlton legacy

Carlton supporters often find the signature of the Silvagni family, the name means more than just a name, it is an emotion. Three generations of Silvagni men have worn the navy blue jersey for Carlton, from Sergio to Stephen and lastly, Jack, they provided Carlton with a legacy of approximately 70 years and 679 games. Until now, Jack Silvagni, after 128 games for the Blues, has chosen to step into an off-season and join St Kilda as an unrestricted free agent. For many supporters, it is the end of an era, one filled with loyalty, pride and tradition!

Why Jack Chose To Leave Carlton

It is never easy to leave a club, but for Jack, leaving Carlton was particularly difficult. In his farewell message, he expressed gratitude, but also the anguish of a player who wanted to move on. There have been whispers over the last couple of years that Jack and his family have not felt respected by the Blues, and that hurt given their unparalleled commitment to the club. Some fans went as far as to say in the media that the treatment of the Silvagni family is “a disgrace.” Jack stated this was a difficult decision to make, but deep down he knew it was right for him, and he deserved a fresh start and a new challenge away from the stigma of where the Blues were as a football club.

Why St Kilda Was His New Home

There were a number of clubs interested in Jack, but St Kilda had the best offer. Reports claimed the Saints provided a five-year deal worth up to AUD 850,000 a season (more than all other interested clubs, such as Collingwood and Western Bulldogs). But money wasn't the sole appeal. Jack's father, Stephen Silvagni, is already in a senior role with the Saints, and the family connection, as well as a more meaningful and tangible role to play in a Club, made St Kilda the best new home. For Jack, this was not merely about a contract—this was about writing his own story in a new place.

What This Means To Carlton Fans

Carlton fans are heartbroken. For decades, they viewed the Silvagni family as a representation of strength, loyalty and lineage. It's not just one player leaving; it's about closing a family chapter that has generations left behind. Many feel that the club has not gone above and beyond to ensure Jack was happy, or provided him with a role that shows he belongs in this team. Undoubtedly for many fans, this will sting for a long time. To see one family tied to a club so closely is just not seen anymore in modern sports, so this exits stings even more for the Blues faithful.

Jack Silvagni has nominated St Kilda. pic.twitter.com/XzLF6vwEwQ

— Saints TV (@saintstvpod) September 3, 2025

What Comes Next in AFL Free Agency 

Jack Silvagni will officially join St Kilda when the free agency window opens in October 2025. The Saints are doing more than just that, as they are building their squad with pick-ups like Tom De Koning, interest in Liam Ryan, and Leek Aleer. St Kilda supporters should be really happy about the future. For Jack, this is a new phase in his life where he can step out of his family's shadow and make a name of his own. For Carlton, it is the end of a golden period for the Silvagni family that cannot be replaced.