Athletic key forward Wade Derksen from the TIO Northern Territory Football League (NTFL) Nightcliff Tigers Football Club has been selected by the GWS GIANTS at pick five of the 2022 NAB AFL Mid-Season Rookie Draft last night.
Originally from Darwin, Derksen grew up playing for the Nightcliff Tigers, where his father played more than 200 games before making the move to Victoria.
At 197cm, the key position player signed with Peel Thunder this year after an injury interrupted and COVID affected stint in Essendon's VFL program before returning to Nightcliff in the Northern Territory.
The 20-year-old has played only three league games in the WAFL but caught the eyes of recruiters when he kicked four goals from 22 disposals and seven marks against West Coast.
AFLNT Talent Manager Simon Hargrave said it’s fantastic to see yet another Territorian join the AFL in 2022.
“From his Cazalys NT Thunder Academy Under 16’s program through to his Premier League career with Nightcliff, Wade has shown lots of promise and has not been afraid to put in the hard work to get where he is now.
“I am really looking forward to watching what Wade will deliver on field for the GIANTS!”
GIANTS National Recruiting Manager Adrian Caruso said Wade is an exciting tall prospect who has shone for Peel in the WAFL this year after limited football in the last two years.
“He has an attractive athletic profile and enormous upside given his lack of exposure. He has developed in the forward-line this year but has also shown glimpses he can play behind the ball as well.
“Wade has shown a great desire to further his footy as evidenced by his move to the VFL in 2020 and WAFL in 2022 and it’s great that has paid off for him”.