A STIRRING second half of the season will have Carlton full of confidence with 2019 coming to a close.

Familiar faces fired in Navy Blue while the Club’s emerging youngsters owned the future in a campaign which saw the Blues record seven wins for the year.

With the home-and-away season now over, we’re going through every player who featured for Carlton at senior level in 2019.

Here’s the year that was for Carlton’s No. 37, Ben Silvagni. 

VFL GAMES

2019: 17

VFL GOALS

2019: 5

KEY VFL STATISTICS (averages in brackets):

Disposals: 185 (10.9) Marks: 50 (2.9) Uncontested possessions: 102 (6) Rebound 50s: 48 (2.8) Tackles: 30 (1.8)

OVERVIEW

Ben Silvagni showcased his defensive talent in his first year at Carlton, missing just one game in his debut year for the Northern Blues in the VFL.

Silvagni’s ability apply pressure on opposition forwards while also having the versatility to provide a target in the forward line earned his place in the side, improving by the week.

Hoping to one day join brother Jack in the senior side, Silvagni set the foundations in a promising first season in Navy Blue.

BEST PERFORMANCE

Silvagni’s best performance down back came against the experienced Williamstown in Round 16.

Silvagni gathered 15 disposals at 73 per cent efficiency against an in-form Seagulls side, defending his opponent while also providing an outlet for his teammates.

Despite losing by 21 points, Silvagni contributed to the Blues’ defensive pressure that led to the Seagulls’ inaccuracy (8.22) in front of goal.

SEASON HIGHLIGHT

In a tough loss against premiership favourites Richmond at the MCG, Silvagni’s highlight came when he was thrown into the forward line. 

Switching from defence to attack at the main break, Silvagni kicked two goals in the second half of the game.

Of his five goals this season, his third-quarter set shot was the pick of the bunch, converting from deep on the boundary line.

THEY SAID IT

Development coach Shane Watson praised Silvagni’s work in the air and his ability to hit targets in an episode of Carlton Coaches’ Corner.

“He’s got quick hands, a bit like his father,” Watson said.

“He’s picking up balls at ground level, shooting off, being really unselfish and bringing other players into the game.

“He lays really strong tackles, [and is showing] good footwork and good technique.”