Carlton coach Michael Voss remains confident Jack Silvagni will stay with the Blues and urged Mitch McGovern to stay as well despite overlooking the “disappointed” defender for Saturday’s clash with Port Adelaide.
With finals out of the question for the Blues, focus has turned to the lack of signatures from off-contract stars including Tom De Koning, who could be headed to St Kilda, and Silvagni, who has met with at least three clubs.
Voss conceded the son of club legend Stephen had “been busy” and speculation would continue until a deal had been done.
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“We’re at the end of the season, and they haven’t signed yet,” Voss said.
“If you’re lacking any confidence, it’s probably around that, but in terms of needs and want to have them, we’d love for them to stay.
“But we’re also realistic in where we sit in the season.”
McGovern, who comes off contract at the end of the season, has played 17 games this year but none following his latest hamstring injury.
The 30-year-old is no guarantee to sign a new deal, but Voss was adamant McGovern was in his future plans.
“Absolutely,” the coach said.
“While he’s probably more on the back end of his career, rather than the front end, he’s shown over the last couple of years that some of the concerns he had around his body, there’s less of those.
“There’s nothing wrong with earning your right on the way back in.
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“Being one of the older players and seeing some of the younger players playing well … the only conversations I’ve had is that he’s been excited by what he’s seen, but he’s also desperate to play.
“By not playing, clearly he’s disappointed in not being able to do that.”
Star midfielder Sam Walsh, another who has been linked to a possible move, returns for the first time since round 13 after a foot injury and despite the potential to rest for next season, Voss said Walsh had been “scratching at my door” to play
“It’s just a great sign when you’ve got one of your leaders that wants to see it through and wants to get out there and be a part of it,” Voss said.
“It hasn’t necessarily turned to the results we’re after, but we’ve been energised by some of the things we’re seeing on the ground, seeing some of the younger players and what they’ve been able to do.”
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