'Our goal is to clear his name': AFL great breaks down in tears after son's rape conviction

Friday, 12 December 2025 14:57

Stephen Silvagni said he and his family "firmly stand by" their son as he "continues to maintain his innocence".

AFL great Stephen Silvagni has broken down in tears while giving his family's first public statement since his youngest son, Tom Silvagni, was convicted of rape last Friday.

Stephen said he and his family "firmly stand behind" their son as he "continues to maintain his innocence", while addressing the media outside the Victorian County Court this morning, following Tom's pre-sentence hearing.

"Jo and I, together with our family members and friends, are so disappointed with the outcome," Stephen read as his wife, television personality Jo Silvagni, stood by his side.

"We love and support our son. Our son continues to maintain his innocence and we stand firmly by him.

"We will be considering our options to appeal and shall not be making any further comments on this case.

"Our goal is to clear his name and bring him home. We ask for our privacy and to be respectful."

Stephen finished by saying, "We're very grateful for our great support and families," before he burst into tears and walked away.

Tom Silvagni, 23, was found guilty of two counts of rape on December 5 following a two-week trial in the Victorian County Court.

There had been a suppression over his identity since he was first charged with rape in June 2024, with his lawyers arguing publication could lead to the deterioration of his mental health.

But Judge Andrew Palmer lifted the order yesterday, ruling it was no longer necessary given the trial had been run and Silvagni would be under close watch in custody.

Silvagni had repeatedly denied he digitally raped his friend's girlfriend at his Melbourne home in the early hours of January 14, 2024.

The jury was told the woman had consensual sex with her boyfriend at the house before he organised an Uber and left the property shortly before 2am.