‘Should be rapt’: Great’s take on $4m Silvagni splash as Saints deny list boss dad’s links to deal

Jack Silvagni has committed to St Kilda as an unrestricted free agent on a reported five-year, $4m deal, boosting the Saints’ defensive/forward balance. Punters can expect St Kilda’s head-to-head and futures odds to shorten slightly—markets may price in improved finals chances, while compensation-linked draft effects could temper long-term value bets.

Jack Silvagni chooses St Kilda in free agency coup

27-year-old Jack Silvagni has elected Moorabbin as his destination of choice as an unrestricted free agent, leaving his former club to join St Kilda. The versatile forward-turned-defender will bolster the Saints’ list ahead of the 2025 season, arriving amid competition from several rival clubs.

Contract terms and draft compensation

The move is reported to be worth around $4 million over five years, a figure likely to trigger end-of-first-round compensation for St Kilda. That compensation will influence the club’s draft strategy and could be factored into other clubs’ planning during the upcoming trade period.

Saints’ recruitment drive: big-name signings and targets

Silvagni joins a list already reshaped this off-season, with Tom De Koning set to arrive on a long-term deal and other significant list investments made recently. St Kilda have also been linked to a potential move for Gold Coast utility Sam Flanders during the trade period, underscoring an aggressive recruitment window.

Club confirmation on internal involvement

Saints footy boss David Misson confirmed that Stephen Silvagni was not involved in any meetings, negotiations or discussions related to Jack’s acquisition. The club’s player acquisition manager led the initial interest, supported by detailed analytics and game review that convinced the recruitment team of Silvagni’s fit.

Reaction from the footy community

Senior commentators have argued that, from St Kilda’s perspective, the focus should be on on-field improvement rather than salary chatter. The consensus among analysts is that Silvagni, alongside recent recruits, strengthens the team’s spine and tactical options heading into next season.

Betting implications: how markets may react

Jack Silvagni’s arrival is expected to shorten St Kilda’s odds in head-to-head matches and marginally improve their futures for finals qualification and premiership contention. Punters should note: - Short-term: Expect movement in match markets and early-season lines as bookies price the strengthened list. - Long-term: Compensation for the signing could limit draft flexibility, tempering sustained upside; consider value carefully in season-long markets. - Player markets: Individual markets tied to disposals/marks/goals may realign where Silvagni is played.

Practical tip for bettors

Monitor initial market reactions and preseason form before committing to larger futures stakes. The signing shifts probabilities, but integration, role clarity and broader list management will determine real outcomes across the season.

Next steps and timeline

Jack Silvagni will officially join St Kilda when the free-agent signing period opens on Friday, October 3. The club will then finalise list details and the wider implications for their trade and draft strategy.

Former Melbourne captain Garry Lyon says St Kilda “should be rapt” about securing Jack Silvagni’s free agency commitment and ignore chatter about dollars.

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