Carlton's Jack Silvagni to join dad Stephen at St Kilda during AFL free-agency window in October

Carlton's Jack Silvagni has opted against joining the Blues' arch-rival Collingwood, instead picking the club where his celebrated father works in list management.

After 128 games with Carlton, Silvagni made it clear during his exit meeting that he would depart the Blues, where father Stephen and grandfather Sergio were stars.

The 27-year-old unrestricted free agent met with Collingwood coach Craig McRae, and was also weighing up an offer from the Western Bulldogs.

But the son will reunite with the father at Moorabbin, as St Kilda's recruiting spree goes into overdrive.

Stephen, the greatest defender in Carlton's proud history, has been estranged from the club after being sacked as the Blues' list manager in 2019.

Jack will be joined at the Saints by Carlton ruck Tom De Koning, who will sign a monster eight-year deal that was too lucrative to ignore as a free agent.

"We're very pleased that Jack has nominated St Kilda as the club where he wishes to continue his career," St Kilda's general manager of football, David Misson, said.

"As Jack is an unrestricted free agent, he will be entitled to accept our offer once formally submitted during the free-agency window in October. We need to respect this process.

"With the official player movement period still several weeks away, we will not be commenting further at this time."

Meanwhile, West Coast premiership forward Liam Ryan has announced he will leave the Eagles, with the Saints expected to land his signature via a trade.

St Kilda is also interested in GWS defender Leek Aleer and Gold Coast midfielder Sam Flanders. 

AAP