Why Sunbury coach believed Wade Derksen was capable of reaching AFL

From the moment he arrived at Sunbury, Travis Hodgson saw AFL-quality traits in Wade Derksen, and he’s set to have his prediction proved correct.

Wade Derksen in action for Essendon VFL. Picture: Josie Hayden

As soon as Wade Derksen walked into Sunbury, coach Travis Hodgson saw something special.

The exciting key forward looks all but certain to end up on an AFL list in Wednesday’s AFL mid-season draft after impressing for Peel Thunder in the WAFL.

Fremantle would love to add the 195cm goalkicker from its former state affiliate but he’s expected to be snapped up before the Dockers’ pick No.15, with the likes of Collingwood, Essendon, Gold Coast and North Melbourne said to be interested.

Derksen burst onto the WAFL scene this season with seven goals in three games, averaging 15 disposals and five marks per game.

However, it was clear he had AFL traits back in 2019 when he was lured down from the Northern Territory by Hodgson to play for Ballarat Football League club Sunbury.

Wade Derksen in action for Nightcliff. Picture: Patrina Malone

“He’s a terrific kid, the minute he presented at Sunbury – and this is why I was quick to make the call to (Essendon VFL coach) Dan Jordan to say ‘there’s a kid here that should be training at a higher level’ – his kicking skills, both feet, are unbelievable,” Hodgson said.

“He’s a beautiful kick, 6’4, mobile and the only thing I’d say he has to work on to step up at the next level is his endurance and no doubt they’ll be working on that.

“I’m rapt for him, he had no luck with us and I think he hadn’t had a lot of luck before us.

“He played three games with us and got injured twice and had some injuries at Essendon (VFL).

“His debut against Melton lasted about nine seconds, he stood on someone’s foot at the first centre clearance and hobbled off and missed a month.

“He’s gone back to Darwin and had a good run at things and he’s obviously playing good football in the WAFL.”

Injuries and COVID meant Derksen barely played in 2020 and 2021 before a shift to Western Australia this season.

The youngster only played one game for Essendon VFL in 2021, collecting 18 touches, six marks and four tackles against Brisbane Lions.

He then played one game on loan for GWS Giants, winning 13 disposals and eight hitouts against Sydney Swans.

Giants VFL coach Luke Kelly said at the time: “Coming back from some consistent injuries, Wade played the majority of the contest as a ruck.”

“To come up against a ruckman like Callum Sinclair and compete for the entire contest was impressive, his agility and ability to cover the ground and stay in the contest was really good.”

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Derksen projects to play more of a tall forward role at AFL level with his athleticism and high marking impressing recruiters.

He would be the second Sunbury player to make a quick transition to AFL level in as many seasons, following in the footsteps of Lachie Bramble.

The Lions have had extraordinary success in recent seasons with juniors Josh Goater (North Melbourne), Cody Brand (Essendon) and Curtis Taylor (North Melbourne) picked up in the national draft.

The AFL mid-season draft will be held on Wednesday night with 15 clubs set to take a selection.