1. A Carlton tradition continues
What better way for a third-generation Silvagni to continue the family legacy than against Collingwood at the MCG? Eighteen-year-old Jack's debut was keenly anticipated by all Bluebaggers and the son of Stephen, the AFL's Team of the Century fullback, and grandson of Carlton legend Serge showed some nice signs. There was a huge roar when the youngster, fittingly wearing long sleeves, got an early chest mark and set up Jed Lamb for the opening goal. Blues fans were in raptures again soon after when Silvagni took a superb contested mark, although he missed the set shot, and whipped themselves into a frenzy every time he went near the ball. Silvagni should've had his first goal in the final term when he marked 15m out on a slight angle, but he passed to Bryce Gibbs – who missed from directly in front – much to everyone's disappointment. On the whole, there was a lot to like as he finished with 15 touches and six marks on his first step into the big time.
2. Did Cloke do enough?
Nathan Buckley faced headaches at the selection table with the return of Darcy Moore squeezing out the unlucky Jesse White, while the Pies coach kept faith in Travis Cloke and Mason Cox as the tall timber in attack. The call to bring Moore straight back into the senior side after four weeks out with a fractured collarbone paid off, as the impressive youngster sparked the Pies with an early goal. Cloke got on his bike and presented all night, however his cause wasn't helped by the Pies' overuse and butchery of the ball, and he probably did enough to hold his spot despite going goalless with just two behinds from 13 touches and nine marks.
3. Famous rivalry fails to deliver
Flagging interest in the time-honoured Carlton and Collingwood rivalry has been a much-discussed topic in recent times, and Saturday night's 253rd encounter between the arch-enemies was hardly one for the time capsule. Ultimately, it was the type of contest to be expected from 13th and 14th on the ladder, although Magpies fans went home happy to get one back on the Blues after a 15-point defeat in round seven. These contests always offer bragging rights, but until both sides' decidedly average offerings improve, it's hardly compelling watching for the neutral footy fan.
4. Loyal Blue notches the double ton
It was a little bit lost amongst the fanfare surrounding Jack Silvagni's debut, but loyal Carlton star Andrew Walker reached the 200-game milestone against the Pies, a significant effort given his injury trouble over the years. Walker, the 2003 draft's 2nd pick who was a beacon of hope through some tough times at Carlton in his early days, also became the first Indigenous man to reach the landmark at the Blues. It wasn't the 30-year-old's (12 disposals) greatest night out but he was no lone soldier for Carlton in that regard.
5. Knee fears for Byrne
A disappointing night for the Blues ended on an awful note when improving Irish defender Ciaran Byrne went down with fears of a dreaded ruptured anterior cruciate ligament. The 21-year-old was in tears as he was taken from the ground on the mobile stretcher, having twisted his right leg as he landed awkwardly after a clearing kick from the backline. If confirmed as an ACL, it will be a shattering blow for the County Louth product, who was playing his 11th game this year and growing in stature with every outing.
