Former Carlton Football Club star Stephen Silvagni has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term for a serious sexual assault. The Melbourne County Court handed down the decision, marking a dramatic fall from grace for the once-revered AFL figure.
Court Details and Sentencing
On Wednesday, December 17, 2025, Judge Frances Hogan sentenced Silvagni to eight years behind bars. The court heard that the 58-year-old former full-back raped a woman at a property in Melbourne's inner-north during the early hours of October 8, 2023.
Judge Hogan set a non-parole period of five years. This means Silvagni will be eligible for release after serving at least five years of his total sentence. The judge described the crime as a grave breach of trust and a violent violation of the victim's autonomy.
The Crime and Its Aftermath
The court was presented with compelling evidence detailing the assault. Silvagni, who had socialised with the victim earlier in the evening, attacked her after they returned to a residential address. The victim, whose identity is protected by law, provided a powerful account of the trauma during the trial.
In a moving victim impact statement read to the court, the woman described the profound and lasting damage caused by Silvagni's actions. She spoke of severe psychological distress, ongoing anxiety, and the struggle to rebuild her sense of safety and self-worth following the attack.
A Fallen Football Legend
Stephen Silvagni was a celebrated player for Carlton, known by the nickname "SOS" (Son of Serge). His career spanned from 1985 to 2001, during which he played 312 games, won two premierships, and was named an All-Australian player. He was later inducted into the Australian Football Hall of Fame.
Following his playing days, he moved into football administration, holding list management roles at both Carlton and the Greater Western Sydney Giants. His conviction and imprisonment represent one of the most significant scandals to involve a former AFL great, sending shockwaves through the sporting community.
The case underscores the legal system's handling of sexual violence, particularly when it involves high-profile individuals. The sentence reflects the court's view of the crime's severity, irrespective of the perpetrator's public standing.
