Carlton has suspended defender Wade Derksen for all of its pre-season matches and the first three games of the 2027 AFL season after he was charged with drink-driving in the Northern Territory.
Derksen, 25, failed a roadside breath test in Jabiru in late September and will face court in the Northern Territory next month, AFL.com.au reported. The ban means he won’t play for the Blues until at least round four next year.
The club announced the sanction on Friday 16 October, the same day the AFL suspended Derksen’s teammate Lachie Cowan for two matches.
Carlton will also require Derksen to undergo counselling, Fox Sports reported.
What Carlton said
Carlton general manager of football Chris Davies said the club was disappointed in Derksen. “While we acknowledge the upcoming legal process will carry its own penalty, Wade’s conduct falls well below the standards we expect,” Davies said.
Read more: Carlton Confirm Cowan and Hayward Hospitalised in Separate Incidents
“Wade is fully aware how disappointed we are in what occurred. We will continue to support him throughout this period as he takes full responsibility for his actions.”
Derksen apologises
Derksen apologised in the club’s statement. “I want to express how sorry I am for what I did,” he said. “The choice I made to get behind the wheel that day was unacceptable and is a moment I deeply regret. I have let a lot of people down and for that I apologise.”
Read more: Lachie Whitfield Traded to Carlton in Five-Pick Deal
A tough off-season for the Blues
Derksen joined Carlton ahead of the 2026 season and played 15 games this year, including the elimination final loss to Geelong. He spent three and a half years on GWS’ list after being picked in the 2022 mid-season rookie draft but did not play a senior game for the Giants, according to AFL.com.au.
His suspension adds to a difficult few days for Carlton. Earlier on Friday the AFL suspended Cowan for two matches for conduct unbecoming, and he also received a strike under the AFL’s illicit drugs policy after an investigation into a late-night incident on Saturday, AFL.com.au reported.
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