THEY ARE LEAVING: THE SILVAGNI MANSION IS GONE 😢🚚

This morning in Balwyn North, the trucks rolled up to the once-iconic Silvagni family “palace”—the sprawling Hosken Street mansion built by AFL legend Stephen Silvagni and his wife Jo.

Passersby watched in shock as furniture, boxes, and belongings were hastily loaded—no careful packing, just pure chaos. The home where so many family memories (and now infamous events) were made is being emptied fast.

Rumors are swirling: Legal fees from defending their son Tom Silvagni’s high-profile rape conviction reportedly drained resources, forcing a fire sale of the property last year for around $7.35 million (well below the original $8-8.8m guide). Now, even the rental they’re in might be temporary as debts mount and the family relocates amid the fallout.

But the saddest part? Photos show cherished items—tossed carelessly into the trash bin outside the gate. A heartbreaking symbol of a famous family’s fall from grace.

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Trucks arrived at the former Silvagni family home on Hosken Street this morning, with onlookers capturing chaotic scenes of furniture, boxes, and personal items being loaded hastily. The multimillion-dollar property—once a symbol of AFL royalty for former Carlton star Stephen Silvagni and television personality Jo Silvagni—appears to be fully vacated, marking the latest chapter in the family’s public struggles following their son Tom’s 2025 rape conviction.

The Hosken Street mansion, a triple-storey, five-bedroom residence with a study, basement gym, five-car garage, and resort-style features, was built by the Silvagnis in 2004 after purchasing the land for $440,000 in 1998. Listed for sale in February 2024 with an ambitious $8-$8.8 million guide—aiming to set a suburb record—it sold in mid-2024 for an estimated $7.35 million, a discount of nearly $2 million from the initial asking price. Real estate sources attributed the lower sale to market conditions and the timing amid emerging legal issues surrounding their son.

The property gained notoriety as the site of the January 14, 2024, incident where Tom Silvagni, then 20 and living at home, was later convicted of two counts of rape. Court proceedings revealed the offenses occurred after a gathering where Silvagni allegedly impersonated his friend Anthony LoGuidice to deceive the victim, falsifying an Uber receipt as part of the deception. Silvagni was sentenced to six years in prison following the trial, with his identity initially suppressed before being publicly revealed in December 2025.

The family’s legal battles have been costly. Stephen and Jo Silvagni publicly supported their son, expressing disappointment with the verdict and questioning aspects of the case. Reports indicate significant expenses on high-profile legal representation, including barrister David Hallowes SC, who argued for continued name suppression citing mental health concerns. While no direct foreclosure or bank repossession has been confirmed for the Hosken Street property—sold voluntarily before the conviction—the rapid emptying of belongings has fueled speculation that financial pressures, including mounting legal debts, contributed to the family’s relocation.

After selling the family home, the Silvagnis reportedly moved to a luxurious $2,200-a-week rental in Balwyn North, owned by a lawyer and featuring a pool, marble bathrooms, and high-end finishes. This temporary residence allowed them to remain in Melbourne during Tom’s trial and appeal preparations. However, recent sightings suggest even this arrangement may be short-lived, with the family rumored to have shifted focus to Queensland while returning for court matters.

This morning’s activity at the now-vacant Hosken Street property drew attention from passersby, who photographed trucks loading items in a disorganized rush. No evidence of a formal eviction or forced removal was reported; the process appears tied to the property’s sale completion or a lease ending. What struck observers most was the sight of discarded items in the front-gate trash bin: family photographs, children’s toys, personal documents, and household mementos seemingly thrown away without care. These images, shared widely online, have been described as the “saddest” element—a visual symbol of lost memories amid scandal and upheaval.

The Silvagni name, once synonymous with Carlton Football Club success—Stephen played 312 games, earned Hall of Fame and Team of the Century honors—has faced intense scrutiny. Older son Jack Silvagni, a former Blues player now at St Kilda, has been spotted at family properties but has maintained a lower profile. The family’s public statements have emphasized support for Tom while expressing heartbreak over the outcome.

No official comments from the Silvagnis were available regarding today’s events. Real estate records confirm the Hosken Street sale was handled by Marshall White agents Marcus Chiminello and Mandy Zhu, with the transaction finalized months ago. The new owners have not been publicly identified, and the property’s future use remains unclear.

Broader context includes the family’s prior property dealings: Stephen sold a hotel site in Melbourne’s CBD in late 2024 or early 2025, and Jack offloaded a Mont Albert North home in 2025 for above expectations. These moves suggest asset liquidation, possibly to cover costs or facilitate relocation.

The rape case itself divided opinions. The victim issued a powerful statement post-sentencing, highlighting trauma and the impact of deception. Community backlash targeted the family’s defense strategy, with some accusing entitlement. Stephen’s emotional public comments questioning the verdict drew criticism, while supporters highlighted mental health factors in the suppression arguments.

As trucks departed the Balwyn North site, the emptying mansion stands as a stark reminder of how quickly fortunes and reputations can shift. From a dream home built on AFL legacy to discarded belongings in a bin, the Silvagni story underscores the personal toll of high-profile legal battles.

Whether debts directly forced the move or it stems from a desire to distance from scandal, the family’s chapter in Balwyn North appears closed. Appeals for Tom’s conviction continue, with the family reportedly pursuing avenues to challenge the six-year sentence. For now, the focus for many is on the human cost: victims seeking closure, a family navigating fallout, and a once-glamorous property reduced to echoes.