CARLTON defender Alex Silvagni has today announced his retirement from AFL football, effective immediately.
The 30-year-old, who has not played senior football this season due to Achilles issues, informed teammates of his decision this morning.
Arriving at Ikon Park via the 2017 rookie draft, Silvagni played seven games for the Blues in his two seasons. Few Carlton supporters could forget his impressive club debut in Round 6, 2017 against Sydney opposed to the competition’s best key forward in Lance 'Buddy' Franklin.
Despite injury cruelling the second half of his maiden season, Silvagni was primed for the 2018 season before being voted into the Blues’ leadership group for his team-first mentality and aggressive approach to the game.
Hailing from Pakenham in Victoria, the defender was taken by Fremantle at pick No.24 in the 2010 rookie draft and was quickly elevated to the Dockers' senior list in the same year.
After battling issues with his Achilles early this year, the widely respected clubman subsequently ruptured the Achilles tendon in his right leg in June and was immediately ruled out for the remainder of the season, requiring surgery. Unable to return to the level required to complete his playing duties, the veteran was forced to call time on his 60-game career.
“Clearly you want to have the ability to play on forever, but deep down I knew my body was not up to returning to the rigours of senior football, so in the end the decision came relatively easily,” Silvagni said.
“I’ve loved my short time at Carlton and I'm incredibly grateful to the entire football club for the belief they’ve shown me since I arrived at Ikon Park. I’d also like to take this time to thank the medical and welfare teams at Carlton, who have been very supportive of my pursuit to get back onto the track despite a number of injuries along the way in recent years.
“Importantly, I’d like to acknowledge my teammates at both Fremantle and Carlton. You come to work every day because of them. To my coaches along the way, thank-you for what you have done.
“I believe in the direction the Blues are heading and will be watching on fondly over the next few years knowing sustained success won’t be far off. It’s been incredibly exciting to be a part of.”
Alex Silvagni (right) celebrates his first win in the navy blue. (Photo: AFL Media)
Senior coach Brendon Bolton paid tribute to the humble defender.
“Alex has been a wonderful clubman who boasted a team-first approach in everything he did on the training track and on the field, a great role model for our younger players,” Bolton said.
“He had an unfortunate run with injuries, but throughout the games he played for us, we all witnessed his uncompromising approach and aggression at the ball. Off-field he contributed enormously to our program, and we thank him for that.
“We wish Alex, his wife Lindsay and daughter Leni the very best for their future endeavours.”
