Jack Silvagni in shattering news as Carlton rocked by sad pre-season development

Carlton fans are rallying around favourite Jack Silvagni is set to miss the 2024 season after he injured his ACL in a training session this week. Silvagni was participating in an AFL match simulation on Thursday, before appearing to seriously hurt his knee.

The forward was sent for scans, before it was revealed he would need to undergo surgery. Silvagni will most likely miss the whole 2024 season with Carlton football boss Brad Lloyd devastated for the 26-year-old.

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"Jack had put in such a significant body of work over summer to put himself in a great position to attack the year, so we are all really feeling for Jack right now," Carlton football boss Lloyd said. "While the emotion right now is one of disappointment, it is well known that Jack's work ethic and commitment to the football club is unwavering, and it is his strong character that will be his biggest strength through his recovery process.

"We will be with him every step of the way through his rehab, and no doubt the entire Carlton faithful will be. With the energy he brings, he'll continue to have a positive impact around the club and within the playing group throughout this season."

Silvagni had only just signed a two-year extension to his contract for the Blues with the setback a major blow for the club. The 26-year-old was looking to once again cement his position in the club's best 23 players after a knee injury detailed his 2023 season.

The forward was left out of the team's epic run that saw them make the AFL finals. Fans were left devastated Silvagni who has suffered yet another setback.

Bailey Smith and Dan McStay also out for AFL season

Silvagni is the third player in the pre-season to suffer an ACL injury ahead of 2024 campaign. Bailey Smith will also miss the season after going down in preseason with the same injury in December.

"We can confirm that Bailey Smith has suffered an ACL injury during today's training," the club wrote on social media. "We are devastated by the news and know the whole club will be behind Baz through his rehab journey and beyond."

Western Bulldogs director of football Chris Grant said in a statement: “We’re all extremely disappointed for Bailey, and empathise with him greatly. The entire club will rally around him during this difficult time, as he begins his rehab journey.” Collingwood forward Dan McStay also went down with a similar injury.

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