Silvagni urges AFL not to make rumoured cut

Former Carlton recruitment boss Stephen Silvagni is urging the AFL not to reduce the amount of players on lists, despite the COVID-19 crisis and the financial impact of it.

Reports suggest league headquarters is weighing up cutting lists down from where they currently sit in the mid-40s to around 35 in order to save money.

However, Silvagni feels it would make it hard to bring in development players like Richmond defender Sydney Stack or Collingwood forward Mason Cox.

“From a list thing, I know it is really difficult circumstances and I don’t know what situation the AFL is in from a personal view. I think the AFL and AFLPA should be doing everything possible to keep list sizes as they are at,” he told Fox Footy.

“I certainly believe the best development is in a football club and that’s from rookies to players that are underdeveloped.

“Having been in footy for a long time, I just think players development – not all players, but most players – develop a lot better in the professional environment.

“You see players like a Sydney Stack and a Mason Cox who were underdeveloped. To be in that full-time system, you are going to get a lot better growth with those sorts of players and I think that’s the best way to be able to do that.”

The Carlton premiership defender left the club after five years in charge of list management and strategy following the 2019 National Draft, with reports of a falling out between himself and CEO Cain Liddle.

Silvagni didn’t wish to speak about his departure from the Blues, but said he is enjoying his time away from the game.

“(I’m) really good. Very comfortable. (I) probably got out at the right time. Obviously there are some things which could’ve been handled better,” he said.

Carlton brought in veteran Western Bulldogs recruiter Nick Austin to replace Silvagni in January.