Untried GWS tall Wade Derkson has informed the club of his desire to play at a Victorian club in 2025, referring to family reasons for the move.
AFL.com reporter Cal Twomey reported that the Melbourne Football Club are interested in the 23-year-old onย trade radio on Wednesday.
Derkson was taken with pick 5 in the 2022 Mid-Season Rookie Draft, shifting across the country from Peel Thunder in the WAFL to the GWS Giants.
Standing 197cm at around 90kg, Derkson remains an exciting prospect with a unique journey to the big time.
A latecomer to Aussie Rules, having started in rugby, the 197cm tall forward had also been part of Essendon's VFL program and played for Nightcliff in the Northern Territory.
In 2023, Derksen made a strong impact at the GIANTS' VFL team, emerging as their top goal-kicker with 35 goals from 18 matches. His efforts earned him a two-year contract extension, keeping him with the club until the end of 2025.
GWS tall Wade Derksen had his exit meeting today. He's advised the Giants he's keen for a trade to a Victorian club for family reasons.
He's contracted for another year at the Giants after being a mid-season. Melbourne has been among clubs with interest. @AFLcomau @traderadio pic.twitter.com/yRWwcrcZjP
— Callum Twomey (@CalTwomey) September 17, 2024
Yet to feature at AFL level through his two year stint so far however, he now wants a new look at a Victorian club, with the Melbourne Demons potentially in the box-seat to bolster their key position stocks..
Derkson proved his versatility in 2024 with a stellar year being shifted down back, averaging 20 disposals and 10 marks, making him a viable commodity potentially up for offer this off-season.
Most clubs would be happy to pay a base-level contract to trial him on the list, we now wait and see what Melbourne are willing to give in return, holding picks 5, 38, 45, 50 and 61 in the upcoming National Draft.
