Updated ,first published
Carlton are in crisis after defender Wade Derksen was busted drink driving, becoming the third Blue embroiled in an off-field issue since the end of the season.
The Blues have suspended Derksen for the entire preseason and the first three games of the 2027 home and away campaign after he returned a “high-range” reading in a roadside breath test in Jabiru, in the Northern Territory in late September.
Derksen, 25, has been charged with drink driving. The matter is scheduled to be heard in an NT court next month.
The revelation comes just hours after defender Lachie Cowan was hit with a two-game ban by the AFL for conduct unbecoming following investigations of “his use of an illicit substance last weekend” by the Blues and the league.
Forward Will Hayward admitted himself to hospital after suffering a cut to his head in a fall. He was not sanctioned.
The Blues will start next season without two defenders from the team that bowed out in the elimination final against Geelong last month.
“While we acknowledge the upcoming legal process will carry its own penalty, Wade’s conduct falls well below the standards we expect,” Carlton football boss Chris 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 had won the hearts of Blues fans by driving four days from Darwin to Melbourne for preseason training to earn a spot on the list. He was given a two-year contract extension after strong form filling in for the injured Jacob Weitering.
That feelgood story now has a sour postscript. Derksen, who must complete relevant counselling as part of his sanctions, has apologised for his behaviour.
“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.”
Cowan apologised and thanked the medical professional who helped him after he collapsed at a party last weekend.
“I should never have put myself in such a vulnerable situation, I want to apologise for the impact my actions have had on my family and the football club,” Cowan said in a statement released by Carlton shortly after his penalty was officially announced.
“I also want to thank the medical professionals who helped me on the night, the football club for their ongoing support and everyone who took the time to reach out and make sure I was OK.
“This is a wake-up call and I am just so grateful to now be in a position to learn from this.”
Cowan was also issued with a $5000 suspended fine and now has an adverse finding listed against his name under the AFL’s illicit drugs policy.
“AFL players have a responsibility to themselves and their professional careers to uphold community expectations. They are well-educated when it comes to the harms associated with the use of illicit substances. Lachlan admitted his mistake and understands he must be accountable for his actions,” the league’s chief operating officer Tom Harley said in confirming the penalty on Friday.
In finding Cowan guilty of conduct unbecoming, the AFL said it considered the “circumstances in which the matter subsequently became public”.
The league said it would require Cowan to undertake education on illicit substances and their effects additional to the mandatory training undertaken by AFL players.
The players will all be undertaking fresh education training through November and December as the league prepares to introduce its new illicit drugs policy. When they return for training in January, every single AFL player will be hair-tested, the readings of which will trace back the previous three to six months.
The incident involving Cowan at the weekend was first investigated by his club. Carlton passed its information to the AFL, and further enquiries were conducted.
Carlton said it investigated the weekend’s matter involving Cowan while also providing him with wellbeing support.
“Most importantly, we are thankful that Lachie is OK and received the medical attention he needed,” Carlton general manager of football Chris Davies said in the Blues’ statement.
“We have been in regular contact with Lachie this week and he has taken ownership of his mistake.
“Lachie understands that it is his responsibility to ensure he makes better decisions moving forward.”
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