Carlton’s GM of List Management and Strategy Stephen Silvagni has officially departed the club.
The Blues conceded that Silvagni’s sons - Jack and Ben - added an “increasing complexity” to his position as list boss, leading to a parting of ways.
It comes amid reports of an "acrimonious" exit following disagreements with CEO Cain Liddle on certain list management issues this season.
Carlton released a statement regarding Silvagni’s departure:
With his contract expiring at the end of 2019, Silvagni had been in constant and open dialogue with the club throughout the season. Silvagni requested the club delay any commentary surrounding his position until after the draft, a request that the club fully respected.
The difficult decision to not enter into a new contract with Silvagni as GM List Management and Strategy centred around the increasing complexity of having two sons on the playing list. The situation is not only a conflict for the club’s GM List Management and Strategy, but equally for those who work in and around him in the football department.
Having the most senior list management staff member unable to participate in an increasing number of discussions and decisions relating to both list management and match committee is a situation that is not in the best interests of the Carlton Football Club.
Carlton president Mark LoGiudic thanked Silvagni for his five years as list boss.
“Over the last five years Stephen has been at the forefront of what has been the first, complete, on-field rebuild in the club’s 155-year history,” LoGiudic told carltonfc.com.au.
"The work he has done has been outstanding and has contributed to helping the Carlton Football club be in a position of strength where we can pursue on field success.
“While he may no longer hold an administrative role at the club, given Stephen’s legacy as both a player and an administrator, we look forward to seeing him remain involved with the club as a father and a passionate Carlton person.”
Silvagni, 52, is an all-time great Carlton having won two premierships and two best and fairests during his decorated 312-game career.