'Sad day': AFL rocked by death of Carlton legend Serge Silvagni
The AFL world is mourning the death of Carlton legend Serge Silvagni.
The patriarch of the famous Silvagni family died on Thursday morning at 83.
According to The Age, he had been dealing with multiple health issues.
NEW LOVE: Ellyse Perry sparks rumours of AFL star romance
'NEVER COME BACK': Footy icon Rex Hunt quits after on-air tirade
Silvagni played 239 games for Carlton and won premierships for the club in 1968 and 1970.
Son Stephen also went on to become a club legend and is known as 'SOS' - son of Serge.
Silvagni's grandsons Jack and Ben are also current AFL players.
He is survived by wife Rita, three daughters Lisa, Danielle and Michelle, and son Stephen.
Silvagni was inducted into Carlton's Hall of Fame in 1989 and made an official 'Legend' in 2016.
He and Stephen were both named in Carlton’s team of the 20th century.
The ruck-rover became a committee member, selector and reserves coach after retiring in 1971.
He coached three senior games for Carlton in 1978 when Ian Stewart fell ill and his appointment didn't eventuate.
“He was such an important figure to many Carlton supporters growing up during the 1960s, particularly those who had migrated to Australia and could instantly identify with one of their heroes.”
A Legend of our club who left as great a mark as any.
Vale, Sergio Silvagni. 💙— Carlton FC (@CarltonFC) July 15, 2021
"Sergio was and always will be a legendary Carlton person," club president Mark LoGiudice said in a statement.
"He was such an important figure to many Carlton supporters growing up during the 1960s, particularly those who had migrated to Australia and could instantly identify with one of their heroes.
"He would go on to become one of our greatest ever players and his impact on the club will forever hold a significant place in our history books.
"On and off the field he embodied what it means to be a Carlton person and we offer our heartfelt condolences to his family."
AFL world mourns death of Serge Silvagni
Tributes have been pouring in on social media.
"Saddened to hear of the passing of Carlton FC legend & premiership champion, Serge Silvagni," tweeted federal treasurer Josh Frydenberg.
"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."
Commentator Andy Maher wrote: "He was a giant in the eyes and imagination of this young Bluebagger. RIP Serge."
The 'Carlton Cheersquad' account tweeted: "Impossible to put into words what this man means to our Football Club and the AFL in general,"
"R.I.P Serge Silvagni. A truly magnificent man and a Giant of our sport."
Saddened to hear of the passing of @CarltonFC 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. pic.twitter.com/vAy8yV91f3— Josh Frydenberg (@JoshFrydenberg) July 15, 2021
He was a giant in the eyes and imagination of this young Bluebagger.
RIP Serge. pic.twitter.com/x5b0dEkpNe— Andy Maher (@AndyMaherDFA) July 15, 2021
Impossible to put into words what this man means to our Football Club and the AFL in general.
R.I.P Serge Silvagni.
A truly magnificent man and a Giant of our sport.
💔 pic.twitter.com/ewYqxp3etJ— Carlton Cheersquad (@CFCCheersquad) July 15, 2021
A man who leaves behind the beginning of a family legacy at @CarltonFC that will live on forever.
A name that is most synonymous with this football club.
A two-time premiership player.
An icon of the Italian connection to the club.
R.I.P Sergio ‘Serge’ Silvagni 💙 pic.twitter.com/1FnjUuZUA6— Paolo Antonio Sebastiani (@paulseb05) July 15, 2021
Extremely sad day for our Carlton family losing one of our all time greats. 💙 RIP Serge Silvagni pic.twitter.com/BP0vNOuUlc
— Mikaela Maree Whitton (@missmwhitton_) July 15, 2021
Only remember ever meeting the great man once.
5 years ago on the night he was elevated to Legend status in the Carlton Hall of Fame.
Cant imagine there'll ever be a starting midfield like Nicholls, Silvagni, Gallagher again.
My love to Rita and the entire family.
RIP Serge pic.twitter.com/PxyiRwAbIa— Nic Wishart (@wishart88) July 15, 2021
A great Carlton man. Has done so much for our club. Thoughts go out to the Silvagni family. RIP Serge 💙 pic.twitter.com/Z1OtFzHWpV
— CARLTON 💙 (@ella90153622) July 15, 2021
Today, we have lost a club great. A person that bleeds blue and a person I’ve been lucky to meet before as I have played with his grandson Ben.
Serge Silvagni has and will always be Carlton.
Thoughts go out to Ben and the entire Silvagni family and friends
RIP 🙌🏼 pic.twitter.com/ElYUnv5nLu— Will Purssey (@wpurssey10) July 15, 2021
Vale Sergio Silvagni 💙. An amazing ambassador of the Carlton Football Club & one's who legacy will be felt for many years through both his son Stephen & his grandson Jack. May he Rest in Peace. Always No. 1. #1 #carltonfc #sergesilvagni #sos https://t.co/GAoHxAQX2y
— Kristy Sedlarczuk (@KristySed) July 15, 2021
Watch 'Mind Games', the new series from Yahoo Sport Australia exploring the often brutal mental toil elite athletes go through in pursuit of greatness:
Click here to sign up to our newsletter for all the latest and breaking stories from Australia and around the world.