After an impressive beginning of the season in defense, Jack Silvagni could be forced to move forward while Carlton prepares to cover the losses of Harry McKay and Brodie Kemp.
The joy of publishing his first victory of the season on Saturday for Blues was compensated by a brain shock to McKay and the suspicious serious injury of Kemp Achilles.
McKay, Coleman medalist, who had lost the previous three games due to mental health problems, lasted only 17 minutes after hitting the heads with Tom Gross of West Coast in the first quarter.
“He has a pretty smaller shiner under his right eye,” Silvagni said about McKay on Monday.
“It has been really good in the place and it was good to see him back there.
“Disappointed for him to miss a week, but he is the best professional, so I’m sure he will recover and will be right for the following week.”
But Carlton fears the worst for Kemp, whose left leg collapsed in the last quarter against the Eagles and will undergo scan on Monday to determine the damage to his Achilles.
A former defender, Kemp has impressed since he advanced at the end of last year, highlighted by a better journey of five career goals against Western Bulldogs in the third round.
“It’s disappointing for Kempy, seeing him fall like this,” said Silvagni.
“I had done a mountain during the preseason to get in a position to play a very good football.
“We saw him get the reward for the effort with five goals a couple of weeks ago.
“You never like to see someone fall, much less your own teammates.
“It will be difficult to cover, but I know it will be rehabilitated and do it well, whatever it is.”
Silvagni has been a brilliant light for a difficult season for blues, as they lost their first four games.
The 27 -year -old was lost the entire 2024 season due to a knee injury, but has looked at home back, the end of the ground where his father Stephen became a legend.
However, with Kemp outside the long term and McKay out of play for at least the clash of Good Friday with North Melbourne, Silvagni could be forced to return to the front line.
“I have not yet returned to the club, so I’m not sure, but I would say it’s an opportunity,” said Silvagni.
“I have missed a little football in recent years.
“It is good to find a role and have confidence between children and the coaching staff to be able to do that week by week.”
