Just as Round 18 was getting underway, Carlton announced the passing of Sergio Silvagni, aged 83. He is the father of club legend Steve Silvagni - aka SOS - and the grandfather of current player Jack. Steve's son. Ben Silvagni, was also drafted in 2018 but never played a senior debut and was delisted at the end of 2020.
The highly decorated Sergio was inducted into the club's hall of fame in 2016. He played 239 games from 1958 to 1971 for the Blues and served as a committeeman and team selector after he retired. He was a member of the 1968 premiership side which broke a 21-year drought for the Blues. He was there again in 1970 when the Blues staged a monumental comeback from a 44-point deficit at halftime to defeat Collingwood by 10 points. He was club captain in 1964, leading goalkicker in 1959, best and fairest in 1962, represented Victoria in 1962 and 1963. He was named into the club's team of the 20th century in 2000 as a rover. His son Stephen was named at fullback. (Stephen was also named into the AFL team of the 20th century at fullback in 1996).
Carlton President Mark LoGiudice expressed the Club’s unending thanks, “Sergio was and always will be a legendary Carlton person. He was such an important figure to many Carlton supporters growing up during the 1960s, particularly those who had migrated to Australia and could instantly identify with one of their heroes. He would go on to become one of our greatest ever players and his impact on the club will forever hold a significant place in our history books ... On and off the field he embodied what it means to be a Carlton person ...”.
Source: Will Botoulas, Carlton Media Release, AFL Record Season Guide
Article last changed on Thursday, July 15, 2021 - 11:09 PM EDT
