Carlton backman Jack Silvagni has opened up about the importance of "playing a part" in the AFL's Good Friday clash ahead of the Blues Good Friday fixture against North Melbourne.
Silvagni, who welcomed son Charlie in September last year with wife Grace, spoke to media at the Royal Children's Hospital on Monday, reflecting on the game's significance as a recent father.
"I was thinking about [Good Friday as a dad] this morning. I couldn't imagine going through what some of the families here are going through," Silvagni said.
"My heart goes out to all the families who are dealing with trying times at the moment. It puts things in perspective a little bit. At the end of the day, we just play a game, but to be able to represent them and play our part in some small way is really nice.
"I've been here a number of times over my last ten years. To hear some of the stories and what kids are going through, what the families are going through, but also the nurses and doctors and what they do here, it's really inspiring. We're super privileged that we can represent the kids here and the workers here on Friday and play our part."
Silvagni also provided an update on the two latest injury blows to the Blues squad, with Harry McKay and Brodie Kemp both exiting early against West Coast.
Kemp has gone down with a suspected ruptured Achilles, which, if this is the case, he could miss the remainder of the 2025 season.
"We're still waiting on scans [for Kemp]," Silvagni said. "It is disappointing to see him go down like that. He'd done a mountain of work over the pre-season to put himself into the position to play some really good football... he'll be difficult to cover, but I know that he'll rehab and get it right, whatever it may be."
"[McKay] is okay, though he does have a nice shiner under his right eye. He's entered concussion protocols and will miss this week. He's been really good around the club [since returning from leave], and was good to see him back out there. It's disappointing for him to miss a week, but he's the ultimate professional, so I'm sure he'll bounce back and be good for the following week."
Silvagni also hinted at the possibility of positional change, potentially going forward during Friday's game.
"I haven't been back in the club yet, so I'm not sure, but I'd say [going forward] is a chance."
Carlton will take on North Melbourne this Friday at Marvel Stadium in the eighth instalment of the Good Friday clash, Carlton's third time featuring in the yearly tradition.
