CARLTON has suspended defender Wade Derksen for all pre-season games and the first three matches of the 2027 premiership season after he was charged with drink-driving last month.
Derksen failed a roadside breath test in Jabiru in the Northern Territory in late September and will face court in the NT next month.
The news comes on the same day that the AFL suspended Derksen's Blues teammate Lachie Cowan for two matches for conduct unbecoming. Cowan also received a strike under the AFL's illicit drugs policy after an investigation in a late-night incident on Saturday that resulted in paramedics taking Cowan to hospital.
Carlton general manager of football Chris Davies said the club was disappointed in Derksen, 25, who joined the Blues ahead of the 2026 season and played 15 games this season.
“While we acknowledge the upcoming legal process will carry its own penalty, Wade’s conduct falls well below the standards we expect,” Davies said.
“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, who was on GWS' list for three and a half years after being selected in the 2022 mid-season rookie draft but did not play a senior game, apologised for his actions.
“I want to express how sorry I am for what I did,” Derksen 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.”
