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Robert Heatley Stand / Re: AFL Rd 10 2026 Pre Game Predictions Carlton vs Western Bulldogs at Marvel
Last post by Lods -https://www.carltonfc.com.au/players/2886/wade-derksen
We're not training up a backman to be a forward.![]()
He's as much a forward as he is a defender.
Derksen kicked 35 goals for GWS in the VFL in 2023.
He was training as a defender when he came to us.
He is listed as a key defender on the club website.
He is expected to be a key defender.
Which is fine.....but after all of that, we want to make him a key forward now.
Why wouldn't we just train him as a key forward to begin with?
https://www.carltonfc.com.au/news/1959833/hollands-and-derksen-earntheirchance
Quote
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.