Wade Derksen suspended after drink-driving charge in NT
Carlton defender Wade Derksen has been suspended after being charged with drink-driving in the Northern Territory.
Derksen failed a roadside breath test in Jabiru in late September and will face court in the NT next month. The 25-year-old joined Carlton in 2026 and played 15 games this year.
Carlton suspended him from all pre-season games and the first three 2027 premiership matches. On the same day, teammate Lachie Cowan was suspended for two matches.
Cowan also got a strike under the AFL's drugs policy. This came after a late-night incident on Saturday.
Derksen apologised in a statement. He said his choice to drive was wrong.
He said he deeply regrets the decision.
- 25
- Age
- 15
- Games played in 2026
- All pre-season plus first 3 matches
- Pre-season and premiership matches
- Jabiru, Northern Territory
- Location of breath test
Why it mattersHigh-profile athletes face immediate consequences for breaching road laws, reinforcing standards about player conduct and public safety.
AustraliaThe suspensions affect Carlton's depth for the 2027 AFL season and reinforce the league's expectations for player behaviour.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 2 h ago
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