Quote Originally Posted by Webby View Post
Steve Silvagni: fullback of the century has always miffed me.

I actually knew Silvagni. Dull bloke, only knew him
Professionally via his day job at the time, but having an acquaintance with him, I took an interest. Therefore this stands out in my mind:

In Round 1, 1994, Carlton (beaten Grand Finalist in 1993, who would finish top in 1994, before winning the flag in 1995... Point is, a very, very strong side) were hosted by Adelaide at Football Park.

Silvagni lined up at fullback on Tony Modra. Modra went on to kick 13 of Adelaide's 22 goals against the apparent fullback of the century.... At least a large chunk of them until Silvagni was moved away from the fullback position.

Couldn't really imagine Dench or Southby EVER being moved away from a dominant full forward. It really stuck in my mind.

Therefore seeing him named "Fullback of the Century" only two years later really raised my eyebrows. It just didn't seem to wash, for mine. Couldn't help but feel someone on the selection committee must've had a crush on SOS!
I always considered Southby to be a better full back than Silvagni even allowing for the fact that Templeton kicked 9 goals against Southby in a brilliant display of high marking at the Western Oval on one occasion in a brilliant display.