Jack Silvagni will depart Carlton after telling the club of his intentions to exercise his free agency rights.

The 27-year-old, a third generation Blue, is yet to nominate a club, but Collingwood and the Western Bulldogs are looming large.

As an unrestricted free agent, Silvagni is free to join the club of his choice.

It brings a sad end to the defender’s time at Carlton with the Silvagni name synonymous with the club.

Dad Stephen and grandfather Sergio are both much-loved legends at the Blues.

Stephen is a dual premiership player, a five-time All-Australian, an Australian Football Hall of Famer, and full-back in the AFL team of the century.

His nickname is SOS (son of Serge), with his father, Serge, also a dual premiership player at Carlton and a Blues Hall of Famer.

Jack Silvagni hinted at his likely departure when leaving Carlton headquarters on Tuesday.

“Potentially (I am leaving the club), it’s something that I’m working on in the next couple of days, and it will all come out in due time,” he said.

“I obviously love the club very much, so it’ll be a big decision to make.”

He later thanked the club for their support in a club statement.

“Whilst the decision was not easy to leave the football club, I felt the time was right to explore another opportunity,” Silvagni said. “I want to say a huge thank you to everyone at the club for their support during my time there, I sincerely appreciate the opportunity this club has given me and my family.”

Silvagni arguably had the best season of his career to date, settling down back after missing the entire 2024 season due to a knee injury.

While he only managed 13 games due to a series of injuries, he was consistently one of the Blues’ best in a tough season.

His future was thrust into the spotlight during the season when it emerged Collingwood coach Craig McRae had met with the out-of-contract star.

McRae’s public comments sparked controversy around the AFL landscape, while other Victorian clubs the Western Bulldogs and Essendon also met with Silvagni.

It remains to be seen which club Silvagni will join, but the sight of the fan-favourite in another jumper will be tough for Blues fans.

Silvagni has played 128 games since making his debut in 2016.

He isn’t the only high-profile Blue set to depart the club with gun big man Tom De Koning expected to join St Kilda on a massive eight-year deal.