Carlton legends Stephen Silvagni and Craig Bradley are reportedly planning a comeback to the AFL in a bid to repay their strife-torn club.

Silvagni, the newly elected director is understood to be on the verge of standing down from the board in favour of playing in 2003 for minimum match payments, The Age newspaper reported.

Determined to make amends for his part in Carlton's salary cap cheating, Silvagni's decision has been made following a deal with his former team-mate Bradley, it said.

The 39-year-old Bradley is now also expected to reverse his announced retirement last month, the paper said.

The Age claimed the pair approached coach Denis Pagan several days ago and offered their services for $50,000 each - the AFL's base payment.

Two days after being heavily penalised by the AFL for its latest salary-cap breaches, Carlton president Ian Collins revealed the Blues were already as much as $1.2 million over the $5.94 million cap in 2003.

Silvagni plans to pull on his football boots and resume training in a matter of weeks, The Age said.

Bradley announced his retirement only last month after 17 years and a club record 376 games, while Silvagni, 35, has been out of football for a year.

Both would have to return via next month's pre-season draft.

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