Derksen

Wade Derksen will wear the Navy Blue in 2026. He was signed on as part of the pre-season Supplemental Selection Period (SSP). Standing at 194cm, Derksen - who had previously signed on with the Carlton Reserves program for 2026 - brings strong aerial ability and competitiveness that will further bolster Carlton’s depth heading into the season. Capable of impacting at both ends of the ground, the 24-year-old was the leading goalkicker for the Giants' 2023 VFL side before excelling in defence, with the following year seeing him named in the VFL’s Team of the Year squad as a defender. Playing 57 VFL games over his three-and-a-half seasons at GWS, Derksen can cover the ground quickly, is powerful in the air and has the athleticism to compete consistently in one-on-one contests. He will wear the guernsey No.47.

Head of List Management Nick Austin said “Wade has shown significant development over the past few seasons. His versatility, athleticism and work rate stood out throughout this pre-season, and we believe he has the attributes to add real value to our squad. “Derksen now has another opportunity at the elite level and we look forward to seeing him make the most of that this season in the Navy Blue.”

The athletic Northern Territory product was selected by the GIANTS with pick five in the 2022 AFL Mid-Season Rookie Draft.

Recruited from Queanbeyan (ACT)/Nightcliff (NT)/Sunbury (Vic)/Peel Thunder (WAFL)/GWS Giants.