Alex Silvagni’s childhood wish of becoming a Blue was finally granted on Monday.

The Blues picked up the former Docker with their second selection in the 2016 NAB AFL Rookie Draft, paving the way for the 29-year-old to join the club he supported as a kid.

"It was always a childhood dream to play for Carlton, so hopefully I can earn my way into the side next year," Alex Silvagni told Carlton Media.

“I always grew up following Carlton. I just love those old days with (Stephen) Kernahan, (Craig) Bradley and (Greg) Williams."

The seasoned defender played 53 games for Fremantle after being taken in the 2010 rookie draft.

Watch Alex Silvagni's highlights

With Carlton set to have the most players aged 21 or under across the league next year, Silvagni said he was hoping to be an experienced head for the Blues' younger brigade. 

“I’m looking forward to driving that younger group and helping those boys develop with leadership," he said.

“I’ll be offloading and sharing the experiences I’ve had to those guys and driving the senior group when I can.”

Within just 24 hours of becoming a Blue, an eager Silvagni made a swift move from Western Australia to Melbourne to join his teammates for pre-season.

“Obviously, there’s a bit of a time difference with WA so that made it a challenge to adapt but once you’re out here it’s fantastic," Silvagni said.

“It was great to be out there and get amongst the guys and I was really eager to get into it.

“It’s a welcoming bunch of guys with an emphasis on growth, where growing in every area is really encouraged. It's a well-driven group (and) that’s been fantastic.”

Unlike some of the Blues' 12 off-season recruits, Silvagni is no stranger to Melbourne, having grown up in Pakenham and sharing family roots with Stephen Silvagni.

Watch Stephen Silvagni discuss Carlton's rookie selections

“My granddad and Stephen (Silvagni’s) granddad are cousins. So, that makes me second cousins with Stephen," Silvagni said.

“Being here close to the family and where I grew up will be fantastic and I’m really looking forward to it."

Silvagni will join his Carlton teammates - including draftees Kym LeBois (rookie), Sam Petrevski-Seton, Zac Fisher, Harrison Macreadie, Cameron Polson, Tom Williamson and Patrick Kerr - for a pre-season training camp on the Gold Coast in December.