Carlton's Wade Derksen loses licence after driving three times legal limit
Wade Derksen lost his driving licence for 12 months after driving at nearly three times the legal limit.
Carlton AFL player Wade Derksen, 25, was caught driving along the Arnhem Highway in the Northern Territory in September with a blood alcohol reading of 0.174, more than three times the legal limit of 0.05.
Derksen pleaded guilty to high-range drink-driving. Derksen had spent the day fishing and drinking with friends at Kakadu National Park.
Derksen's lawyer said Derksen does not normally drink during the season and had underestimated the impact of the alcohol combined with heat and sun. The court was told his rookie salary was $95,000 plus match payments.
Derksen was fined $873 and banned from driving for 12 months. Carlton also suspended him for three matches and fined him at least $12,000.
- 0.174
- Blood alcohol reading
- 0.05
- Legal limit
- 12 months
- Driving ban
- $95,000 plus match payments
- Rookie salary
Why it mattersThe punishment shows the severe consequences for athletes caught drink-driving, and reflects how dangerous roads in the NT demand strong legal penalties for impaired driving.
AustraliaFor Northern Territory and AFL, the case highlights the risks of off-season behaviour and the club's accountability measures for player conduct in regional Australia.
