The conviction and sentencing of Tom Silvagni, son of Carlton legend Stephen Silvagni, has exposed a deep rift between two influential families long tied to the AFL club. Reports reveal that former Carlton president Mark LoGiudice is the father of the second young man present at the Silvagni family home on the night of the assault in January 2024—an individual whose presence became central to the trial. The case has shattered lifelong friendships and reignited old tensions, turning what was once a close alliance into a bitter divide.

Tom Silvagni, 23, was found guilty earlier this month of two counts of digital rape following a County Court trial in Victoria. The assault occurred in the early hours of January 14, 2024, at the Balwyn North mansion owned by his parents, Stephen Silvagni—a two-time premiership player and club Hall of Famer—and television personality Jo Silvagni. On December 16, 2025, Judge Gregory Lyon sentenced Silvagni to six years and two months in prison, with a non-parole period of three years and three months. The judge described the offending as “egregious and callous,” noting a lack of remorse and empathy.

Court details painted a calculated deception: the victim, in a casual relationship with Anthony LoGiudice (son of Mark LoGiudice), had consensual sex with him before he left via Uber around 2am. Silvagni then entered the darkened bedroom, impersonated his friend by claiming the Uber was cancelled, and assaulted the woman twice despite her protests. He later forged an Uber receipt to suggest LoGiudice had remained longer, attempting to shift suspicion. Silvagni maintained his innocence throughout, and his family has signaled a potential appeal.

The revelation linking Mark LoGiudice to the case has amplified the personal fallout. The Silvagni and LoGiudice families were once tightly knit: their sons attended kindergarten and prestigious Xavier College together, shared holidays in Noosa, and remained close despite professional strains at Carlton. Mark LoGiudice, who served as club president, played a key role in bringing Stephen Silvagni back as list manager in 2014 after years away following salary cap scandals. However, their relationship soured in 2019 when LoGiudice sided against Silvagni in a power struggle, leading to his acrimonious exit.

Sources indicate the rape case has “changed lives forever,” destroying the boys’ friendship—Tom referred to Anthony as his “best friend” during testimony—and widening the familial divide. Police interviewed Anthony LoGiudice multiple times, and trial evidence highlighted inconsistencies that undermined Silvagni’s defense. The victim’s powerful impact statement described lifelong trauma, calling the act “evil” and detailing shattered trust.

Outside court, Stephen and Jo Silvagni expressed disappointment, reaffirming support for their son and vowing to “clear his name.” The family has faced intense scrutiny, with reports of relocating to Queensland amid the shame. Broader AFL connections linger: Tom’s brothers include St Kilda’s Jack Silvagni and former VFL player Ben, while grandfather Sergio is a Blues icon.

The case underscores the human toll beyond the courtroom, blending personal betrayal with echoes of past club grievances. Once allies in Carlton’s inner circle, the families now navigate irreversible estrangement. As Silvagni begins his sentence, the fallout serves as a stark reminder of how private actions can fracture deep-rooted bonds in Melbourne’s tight-knit footy community.

Critics note the entitlement perceived in elite circles, with the trial exposing vulnerabilities in relationships built on privilege. Victim support organizations emphasize resources for those affected, highlighting the broader impact of sexual offenses.

In a sport defined by loyalty and legacy, this saga reveals how quickly alliances can crumble under pressure. The Silvagni name, synonymous with Carlton glory, now carries a heavier burden, while old wounds from boardroom battles reopen in the harshest light.