Carlton Blues have confirmed that Jack Silvagni has exercised his option to take up unrestricted free agency, officially bringing an end to his ten years at Ikon Park.
After missing the entire 2024 AFL season with an ACL injury, Silvagni returned to the Carlton side in Round 2 and played 13 of his 128 games for the club before again going down with long-term injury.
His last game for the club was in Round 17 against Port Adelaide before he opted for surgery on a broken hand that was suffered in April.
Silvagni has completed medicals at both Collingwood and the Western Bulldogs, who have reportedly both offered Silvagni four-year contracts with similar remuneration.
It was believed that the chances of playing in a Premiership side drove his decision to end a three-generation dynasty of Silvagnis at Princes Park.
“Whilst the decision was not easy to leave the football club, I felt the time was right to explore another opportunity," Silvagni said in a club statement on Tuesday afternoon.
"I want to say a huge thank you to everyone at the Club for their support during my time there, I sincerely appreciate the opportunity this Club has given me and my family."
Carlton Head of List Management Nick Austin described Silvagni's departure as unfortunate but "the reality of our industry".
"We made it really clear to Jack that we wanted him to remain a Carlton person, however as an unrestricted free agent Jack had a right to meet with a number of clubs and as a result has made his decision to pursue other opportunities," Austin said.