Carlton draftee Harry Dean hasn't had to look far for advice and inspiration when it comes to the Blues, having relied on the club's past and present stars to help shape his journey to the AFL.
Dean officially joined the Princes Park outfit as the third overall pick at the AFL Draft on Wednesday night, with Carlton matching a bid from West Coast on their father-son prospect.
With dad Peter a household name at the Blues, Harry is set to blaze his own trail as a promising key defender for the future.
Former Carlton son-of-a-gun Jack Silvagni knows exactly the path Dean has taken, having followed in the footsteps of his grandad Segio and father Stephen.
Dean sought advice from the third-generation Silvagni, who told Carlton's newest recruit to enjoy his time and not "not be your dad".
"I talked to Jack two weeks ago, just about his experience with the club," Dean said.
"Obviously, our dads played there... his Dad had a brilliant career as well. He (spoke on) pressure and how he went about it. Jack said to just have fun, not be your dad, but be yourself and create your own identity.
"I'm just going to come into the club and play my role and do what I can to play a game every year."
Having grown up watching the Blues, former Carlton captain Sam Docherty was often an inspiring role model for how Dean wanted to approach his roles in football, both on and off the field.
Having donned the No.15 jumper this year, Dean revealed the retired Blues champion was the reason he wanted to change digits.
"I'd like to say Sam Docherty with all his injuries and the battles he faced," Dean added.
"It's shown me resilience and how he's overcome his challenges. He's just a huge inspiration. That's why I wore 15 this year.
"He just inspired the boys, and he lifted. He had a bit of presence to him as well."
Dean is set to join Carlton's pre-season in a matter of days, linking up with a defensive cohort that includes senior leaders Jacob Weitering, Adam Saad and Nick Haynes.
Viewed as a prospect potentially ready for an immediate look at AFL football in 2026, an Opening Round debut would see Dean suit up against departed Blues superstar Charlie Curnow.
While a direct matchup is unlikely, Dean said he'd welcome the challenge.
"It'd be unbelievable to play [the first round]," he said.
"Hopefully, all goes well and I have a good pre-season, and they fit me in. I'm just excited to get into the club and get to work now.
[Curnow] probably has a bit more muscle and a bit more speed, but I have to work on that. I reckon I'd be ready, it'll be a bit of a battle between us and Sydney."
Dean joins Carlton after a strong draft campaign with the Murray Bushrangers and Vic Country, and is, coincidentally, the highest-picked key defender since Weitering a decade ago.
