Carlton defender Wade Derksen has been charged with drink-driving following an incident last month in the Northern Territory.

Derksen returned a high-range reading after failing a roadside test in Jabiru in September.

He was charged and will face court in Northern Territory next month.

But the club have already taken action, banning the defender for all pre-season matches and the first three games of the 2027 season.

“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 apologised for his actions.

“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.”

The 25-year-old is currently on leave from the club with players not due back until next month.

Derksen joined Carlton from GWS in last year’s trade period and played 15 games this year, including the final 12 of the season as he established himself in Josh Fraser’s side.

Derksen’s incident continues a bad off-season for the club after Lachie Cowan copped a two-match for illicit drug use following a wild night out.

Cowan, who has since apologised for his actions, suffered a seizure and was taken to hospital via ambulance in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Will Hayward also required hospital treatment after suffering a cut to his head in a separate incident.