‘RIP Serge’: Carlton legend Serge Silvagni dead at 83

The AFL community is mourning the loss of Carlton legend Serge Silvagni, who passed away on Thursday morning aged 83.

Silvagni played 239 games and kicked 136 goals for the Blues over an illustrious 14-year career, winning two premierships with the club in 1968 and 1970.

The two-time best-and-fairest recipient was named in Carlton’s team of the century and inducted into the club’s Hall of Fame in 1989 – his status was elevated to Legend in 2016.

The former Carlton captain is credited as being one of the first Italian-Australian sporting stars.

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Silvagni was the first of three generations in his family to represent Carlton. His son Stephen also became a club legend, playing for the Blues 312 times between 1985 and 2001.

His grandsons, Jack and Ben, were also drafted to Carlton in 2015 and 2018 respectively. All three generations of Silvagni donned the No. 1 on their jumpers.

Australian politician Josh Frydenberg tweeted: “Saddened to hear of the passing of Carlton legend & premiership champion, Serge Silvagni. An inspiration on & off the field, he will be greatly missed, but the Silvagni football dynasty proudly lives on. My thoughts are with SOS, Jack & the rest of the Silvagni family.”

Following his retirement in 1971, Silvagni served as a committee member, assistant coach, selector and reserves coach for Carlton.

He also coached three senior games for the Blues after Ian Stewart suddenly quit in 1978.

Carlton is expected to honour Silvagni during Sunday afternoon’s Round 18 match against Collingwood at the MCG.