Carlton is now ready to launch into phase two with the Club injecting further elite, young talent to compliment an already emerging playing group. 

After selecting midfield jets Sam Walsh (pick No.1) and Liam Stocker (No.19) on the opening night of the 2018 NAB AFL Draft, day two saw the Blues welcome Finbar O’Dwyer (pick No.66) and Ben Silvagni (pick No. 70) to Ikon Park.

Click here for your chance to meet our No.1 pick and receive a 2019 guernsey by Sam Walsh.

With a last name that needs no introduction to Blues fans, Silvagni possesses an ability to play at either end of the ground. He began the year in the forward line for the Oakleigh Chargers, before showing solid form for Vic Metro down back in the Under-18 Championships.

Ben will become the fourth Silvagni to join Carlton behind grandfather Sergio, father Stephen and brother Jack.

Representing the Murray Bushrangers in the TAC Cup competition, O’Dwyer is a lively forward who can prove troublesome for the opposition’s defence, with his 190cm frame complemented with a burst of speed and agility.

Boarding at Xavier College for the last three years, O’Dwyer participated in the state-based combine testing sessions as part of the 2018 AFL Combine. He will add some pace and outside run to the playing group.

GM of List Management and Strategy Stephen Silvagni said the Club was delighted with the quality talent it has landed during the 2018 NAB AFL Draft and Rookie Draft.

“We couldn’t be happier with the quality of players and people we have brought into the Carlton Football Club,” Silvagni said.

“Sam and Liam will join a midfield that already includes exciting youngsters in Paddy Dow, Zac Fisher and Sam Petrevski-Seton. Their emergence will also come under the leadership of established stars Patrick Cripps and Marc Murphy, so we feel we have a great balance in the middle.

“Both Ben and Finbar are versatile players who we believe will add some great flexibility to our playing list and strong depth which is important as we take our next, exciting step as a club.”

Carlton also selected Hugh Goddard and Tomas Bugg with the Nos.1 and 18 picks in the Rookie Draft.

Goddard, taken 21st overall in the 2014 National Draft, played 10 games in four seasons for St Kilda. At 196cm and 95kg, the athletic key defender will add further depth to the Carlton back-line.

Bugg will don the navy blue after 96 games with the Demons and Giants. The competitive forward will provide tremendous pressure inside 50 and complement the Club’s dynamic front half alongside Charlie Curnow, Harry McKay and Mitch McGovern. 

“Hugh will provide us with strong defensive depth and at 22 years of age will fit well into the backline group alongside co-captain Sam Docherty, Kade Simpson, Jacob Weitering, Caleb Marchbank, Liam Jones and Lachie Plowman.

“We also feel that Tom will add some uncompromising pressure to our forward half, which we think will benefit the side.

“We all know Tom’s competitive edge and his hunger for the contest, that is where we believe he will be a terrific addition to our playing group.”

Now with its latest injection of young talent, Carlton will step into phase two which will see its emerging playing group lead this Club into its next era of success.