Even now, after proving himself as a versatile key defender in his six accomplished AFL games, the 22-year-old’s spot in the side hangs in the balance.
The mature-age recruit has carved a role for himself as Fremantle’s third tall defender in a back six that has emerged as one of the League’s best this season.
But with veteran defender Antoni Grover preparing to return to the backline in coming weeks, Silvagni is set to face competition for his spot.
Jay van Berlo and Clancee Pearce were sent back to the rookie list last week to allow Tim Ruffles (knee) and Scott Thornton (groin) to resume playing in the WAFL, and the same fate awaited Silvagni before Des Headland was placed on the long-term injury list late on Monday.
Headland’s ill fortune was Silvagni’s lucky break, with the Casey Scorpions recruit able to remain on the senior list.
And defensive coach Chris Scott said whatever happened when Grover returned to the backline, Silvagni and his rookie list teammates had proven in the first six games that they have bright futures at Fremantle.
“In terms of improvement and where they’ve come from, I think they’d be more than happy having had a taste of AFL football, as opposed to the alternative,” Scott told afl.com.au.
“Grover’s a big part of our plans for this season, and with Tim Ruffles coming back from a long-term injury we have high hopes for him as well.
“Whatever happens, they (the rookies) have shown they can be a part of Fremantle’s plans long-term.”
With Luke McPharlin, Chris Tarrant and Grover filling Fremantle’s three key defensive posts, Silvagni was recruited with pick No.24 in the 2010 NAB AFL Rookie Draft as little more than a back-up option.
But Scott said he had rapidly become a bona fide AFL player and a crucial part of the club’s improving defence.
“His performances in the pre-season were such that he earned a game in our best 22 right from round one (and) it’s to Alex’s credit that he was able to force his way into the side so early,” Scott said.
“The big question mark over Alex was whether he could make the transition from VFL football to AFL football. He’s certainly well performed at VFL level and his ability in our match simulations suggested that he had enough talent.
“I think we’ve all been pleasantly surprised with the way he’s acquitted himself and become a bona fide AFL player.”
Silvagni trained with Fremantle through the pre-season in the lead-up to the drafting period and Scott said the coaching group, impressed with what they saw, had a lot of input into the decision to draft him.
“We were really impressed with his work ethic,” Scott said. “He came over from Melbourne and really applied himself at training knowing there were no guarantees that he would be picked up.
“We knew he could play against the bigger, stronger opposition key forwards, but he’s also shown the ability to play on the smaller, more mobile types as well.
“The real highlight for us has been his desperation and willingness to defend.”
