Vale ‘Serge’: Carlton legend Sergio Silvagni dead, aged 83

Carlton legend Sergio ‘Serge’ Silvagni has died.

The dual premiership player and two-time club best and fairest passed away on Thursday morning.

He was 83.

The Blues were set to issue a statement shortly as tributes began to flow for one of Carlton’s most celebrated figures.

Silvagni played 239 games for the Blues between 1958 and 1971, including the 1968 and 1970 Grand Finals his club won. He was named in Carlton’s team of the century and was elevated to legend status in the club’s hall of fame in 2016.

The powerful ruck-rover retired at the end of 1971 but then held several off-field roles at Carlton, including becoming a committee member, selector and reserves coach. He coached three senior games for Carlton in early 1978 after Ian Stewart fell ill and his appointment didn’t work out.

Sergio Silvagni played for Carlton between 1958 and 1971.Source: News Limited

Silvagni wore the No. 1 jumper for most of Carlton playing career — the same number his son Stephen would don for his legendary 17-year, 312-game stint at the Blues.

The fact Stephen is referred to as ‘SOS’ (Son of Serge) underscores his father’s Silvagni’s standing at Carlton.

The three Silvagni’s at Carlton: Jack, Stephen and Serge. Picture: David Caird.Source: News Corp Australia

Silvagni was the first of three generations of his family to represent the Blues.

His grandsons, Jack and Ben, were also drafted to the Blues in 2015 and 2018 respectively.

Jack has played 74 games for Carlton since 2016 and remains a key part of the Blues’ best 22, while Ben spent two seasons on the Blues’ list before being delisted at the end of last year.