Silvagni, 18, was on Thursday night named to make his AFL debut when the Blues take on the Pies on Saturday night. The son of Carlton great Steve Silvagni and TV host wife Jo, and the grandson of Blues team of the century member Sergio, Jack's selection came on the back of 13 goals in four games with VFL side Northern Blues.

While other clubs may have shied away from throwing a teenager into a blockbuster first-up , Bolton said there were no such concerns when it came to picking the 191-centimetre father-son recruit.

"He's dealt with media all his life. It's nothing different, and he deals with it with absolute professionalism," Bolton said on Friday at Ikon Park.

"I think he'll be fine. All our draft intake like [No.1 pick Jacob] Weitering are really composed."

Even during a season in which the Blues have comfortably exceeded expectations, Bolton has eschewed hyperbole, publicly sticking to mantras of process and incremental growth. Still, the first-year coach acknowledged that Silvagni's debut was an important occasion for the foundation club.

"Obviously third-generation makes it that little bit more special."

Not that Silvagni hasn't deserved his selection, given his strong form in the state league. "It was an earned right, but one I would've thought his family and our footy club's proud of, and really excited about.

"He's been hitting the scoreboard, and it's an area we'd like to do more of at senior level."

The Xavier College graduate was the Blues' fifth selection in last year's draft – taken at pick 53. Weitering and fellow tall Charlie Curnow were both blooded early in the campaign, while one-time stripling Silvagni has bided his time. Bolton commended the youngster for his work ethic. "When I first met all of the draft intake this year, I said 'Nothing will be given, you're not entitled to anything'. [Silvagni] earned his position.

"He's worked incredibly hard in the gym, so he's put on some kilos. Now he's starting to build his body, he's given himself a chance, and then form's the next dictator. He's played really well. So for Bluebaggers out there it's a significant game for our club."

Bolton said Silvagni would play forward against the Pies, just as he has done at the lower level.

Significant for Silvagni's debut and the clash of traditional rivals, Saturday night's match also marks the 200th game for a man whose locker is next to Silvagni – Blues veteran Andrew Walker – who becomes the first Indigenous player to reach the double-ton at Carlton.

The No. 2 draft pick in 2003, Walker's career has been disrupted by injuries, but Bolton said the utility's commitment to his football could not be questioned. "I've only been there for five minutes really of his whole career, but what I would say this year and over his whole career is he's faced adversity with his body, but he's never let that impact him in his mindset.

"I think the thing that really stands out for me is he's shown our draft class how to prepare off the field with his body. So he's an absolute professional."

The Blues (6-7) beat the Magpies (5-8) when the sides met in round seven. One man who didn't play in that game was Collingwood spearhead Travis Cloke, who has retained his spot in the Magpies' side for this week's encounter.

Cloke, 29, has struggled this season, but Bolton was mindful of the challenge posed by the veteran forward. "We know that his best is he's a great contested mark and he can hit the scoreboard."