“I haven’t spoken to him too much about it. It looks like he’s got a decision to make, so I’ll stay out of that. I’m good mates with him, but that’s a business decision for him,” Houston told this masthead in the victorious Collingwood rooms at the MCG on Sunday.
Carlton have tabled what they believe is a fair offer for Silvagni, who has been playing a new role in defence this year. The club declined to comment on contracts, but officials have privately pointed to his injury history.
Silvagni, who turns 28 in December, has played 128 games for Carlton and may not add to that tally given he is rehabilitating a groin injury.
Given the nature of the injury and the fact Carlton will not play finals, it’s conceivable he won’t play in the navy No.1 guernsey again.
He missed the 2024 season after rupturing his ACL during a pre-season training session. In the previous two seasons he played in 37 of a possible 49 games.
It is becoming increasingly likely that Carlton will lose players to rival clubs in the upcoming trade period, with ruckman Tom De Koning headed for St Kilda on a monster deal.
Silvagni attended a gathering for players and staff on Saturday to celebrate champion defender Jacob Weitering’s 200th game.
Two sources from other clubs, granted anonymity to speak freely, were under the impression star forward Charlie Curnow would still be open to a move to a premiership contender.
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However, Curnow publicly pledged his future to the Blues last Thursday night, addressing previous reports that he had become frustrated at Carlton and was interested in a trade to the Gold Coast Suns.
Curnow will be 29 by round one next year and has played in just three finals in his career so far.
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