Jack Silvagni | 2021 Season Review

Written by Ari Stamatakos

SEASON SYNOPSIS

After an injury-plagued 2020 - and the offseason turmoil his name faced - 'JSOS' needed a big 2021 to establish himself as a Carlton player, and a crucial one at that. After a very impressing pre-season, he started the first match of the year before the curse struck again. After an inspiration run-down tackle, he was subbed out of the game with a shoulder injury. He returned in round three, where a week later the near-identical scenario happened. Another inspiration tackle, lead to another shoulder injury. He would miss 4 weeks of action and in his return game against the Dogs, it happened again. This time a sickening concussion, which saw him side-lined for 2 weeks. 

Finally, he got a good run of form as he played 11 of the remaining 14 and found a new lease of life as a result. After The Blues injury issues reached crisis talks as they only had 3 key position players fit, including only 1 ruckman, Carlton had a choice to make. Who would be the deputy ruckman? McKay was our only marking target inside forward 50, so he was out. Without Weitering in defence, we would lose nearly every game, so he was out. Cripps was an injury waiting to happen, so he was out as well. This left JSOS, who took the chance and ran with, playing career best footy in the last month of the season. 

BEST PERFORMANCE

In the mix of his deputy ruckmanship, his best performance came in the 31 point win against The Saints in round 20. While the late omission of Paddy Ryder helped JSOS’ cause a little bit, when TDK went down with an injury and was subbed out, carrying the lone ruckman role against Rowan Marshall and Paul Hunter was a big ask. And while he only got 5 hitouts, his work around the ground was something to behold. 

He gathered 25 disposals, 1 goal, 5 score involvements, 5 marks, 6 clearances, 9 tackles and 3 inside 50’s. This unbelievable stat sheet is a testament to JSOS and his ability to will his way and continues fighting when the going gets tough. He knew where he would struggle, and he knew where he could succeed and he took advantage of all the assets he has and dominated the much more experienced ruckman in the overall battle. His 9 tackles and 6 clearances is a testament to that, as he was the catalyst for the dominant display The Blues showed off that night. 

While his goal and performance against the Pies needs a mention, how he was able to keep composure and perform like that in the wake of such tragic events is superhuman. However, this is arguably the best performance of his career as he finally finding more of the pill and is proving how damaging he can be.  

OFF-SEASON & 2021 OUTLOOK

We may have found ourselves a midfielder. While he potentially is still more comfortable as a high half-forward, we cannot ignore how well he played when he was the second ruck, acting as another midfielder which gave the Blues much more clearance success when he attended centre bounces. He certainly has the size and toughness for it and is more than capable of being the second option to TDK, while being a resting forward.

At the time of writing, he still hasn’t officially signed his new deal, despite reports that it is all but confirmed. We cannot afford to let him go, as is a very valuable asset and could haunt us if he were to jump ship. Also, we can’t let the Silvagni name being represented by another AFL club. He has struggled with injuries in recent times, so he may not be as dependable as he could, but when fit he is an absolute jet and the definition of a Carlton man.     

2021 REPORT CARD RATING

A-

STATUS HEADING INTO 2022

Starting 22.