Stephen Silvagni
Stephen "SOS" Silvagni (born
May 31,
1967) is a former
Australian rules football champion of Italian descent for the
Carlton Football Club.
In a lengthy career beginning in 1985, he retired in
2001 as one of the greatest ever
full-backs to play the game. He is widely known as "SOS", standing for "Son of Serge", referring to his father, another great
Carlton Football Club player named
Sergio Silvagni.
In
1996's
Team of the Century, Silvagni had the honour of being named at
full-back, and his defensive skills were renowned and earned him the status as a true clubman at
Carlton. He retained the title as the best fullback for 4 years in succession, although he was also known for his marking and goalkicking ability when playing at the opposite end of the ground in the full-forward position at times, even kicking a bag of 10 goals in Round 16 1993 against
Fitzroy Lions.
In addition to Silvagni's blanketing tactics, he was also a renowned high-flyer, taking out the
Mark of the Year in
1988. However, when one such mark led to a shoulder injury, the high-flying aspect of his game largely disappeared.
He is married to Australian television celebrity
Jo Bailey, and works in the media as a guest football commentator.
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A true blueblood - by Stephen Silvagni
