wade derksen

Carlton’s Bold Move: Wade Derksen and Elijah Hollands Earn AFL List Spots in SSP Shake-Up

The AFL off-season has taken an unexpected turn as Carlton Football Club made headlines by securing two high-profile additions during the Supplemental Selection Period (SSP) — former Greater Western Sydney (GWS) tall man Wade Derksen and delisted utility Elijah Hollands. The dual signing signals a strategic shift for the Blues, who are clearly looking to inject youth, versatility, and raw athleticism into their squad ahead of the 2026 season.

While the club has remained tight-lipped on specifics, verified reports confirm that both players have been granted list spots following successful trials and internal reviews. This development not only reshapes Carlton’s forward and midfield options but also highlights a growing trend among clubs to use the SSP as a tool for second chances and talent discovery.

Main Narrative: A Second Chance at the Highest Level

At the heart of this story are two young athletes whose careers have been defined by promise, setbacks, and resilience. Wade Derksen, once a top-10 draft pick from the Northern Territory, spent five seasons with GWS before being delisted at the end of 2025. Despite showing flashes of brilliance — particularly his elite endurance, marking ability, and clean hands at ground level — he struggled to secure consistent game time under previous coaching regimes.

His journey has been anything but straightforward. After being overlooked in multiple list management decisions, Derksen transitioned to the VFL, joining Carlton’s reserves side as a train-on player. His performances there did not go unnoticed, leading to a formal invitation to trial for an AFL list spot during the pre-season.

Meanwhile, Elijah Hollands — another former top-10 selection — was delisted just months ago after one year remaining on his contract. The decision came after Carlton encouraged him to seek opportunities elsewhere during the trade period, citing personal challenges including mental health and substance use issues. However, the club has since reversed course, offering Hollands a fresh start.

Both players now find themselves back in the thick of things, competing for roles in a revamped Carlton lineup. Their inclusion underscores a broader movement within the AFL towards redemption narratives and developmental flexibility. For fans, it’s a rare glimpse into how far clubs will go to nurture potential — even when past performance hasn’t fully delivered.

Recent Updates: What We Know (And What We Don’t)

According to official statements from CarltonFC.com.au and corroborated by 7NEWS, the club confirmed both signings last Friday. In a press release, Carlton stated:

“We believe in giving young players every opportunity to grow. Both Wade and Eli bring unique skill sets and relentless work ethics. They’ve earned their chance through consistency and improvement.”

The timing of these announcements is significant. With the AFL draft now closed and trades largely settled, the SSP offers clubs a final avenue to strengthen their lists outside the traditional pathways. Notably, Carlton used this window to invite Derksen to trial at the expense of Will White, whose own pre-season trial ended abruptly.

Elijah Hollands’ return is especially notable given his departure just months prior. Sources close to the club suggest internal discussions about his welfare played a key role in the reversal. While no public apology was issued, team leadership emphasized their commitment to player support systems — a growing priority across the league following recent mental health reforms.

A timeline of key events:

• October 2025: Elijah Hollands delisted by Carlton after one year left on contract.
• November 2025: Wade Derksen signs with Carlton’s VFL affiliate; begins intensive training program.
• December 2025: Carlton announces trial invitations for SSP candidates.
• Early January 2026: Will White’s trial ends; Derksen invited to full pre-season camp.
• Late January 2026: Carlton confirms signings of both Derksen and Hollands via official channels.

These moves position Carlton well for the upcoming season, particularly as they prepare for a finals push under new head coach Adam Kingsley.

Contextual Background: The Rise of the SSP as a Talent Pipeline

Historically, the Supplemental Selection Period was viewed as a last resort — a mechanism for clubs to fill gaps created by injuries or departures. But over the past decade, its role has evolved dramatically. Clubs now actively scout overlooked players, undrafted talents, and delistees through targeted trials.

Derksen and Hollands fit perfectly into this modern model. Both were once highly rated draftees but fell short of expectations due to injury, form dips, or non-football factors. Yet their physical profiles — Derksen at 198cm, Hollands at 183cm — align with Carlton’s current strategy of building dynamic, two-way players capable of contributing across multiple positions.

This approach isn’t unique to Carlton. Teams like Collingwood and Brisbane have successfully integrated SSP signings such as Jye Caldwell (delisted twice before returning) and Corey Weightman (emerging star via trial). The trend reflects a deeper understanding of athlete development: talent can surface anywhere, and patience often pays dividends.

Moreover, the AFL’s recent emphasis on holistic player care — including mandatory mental health screenings and flexible contracts — has made clubs more willing to take calculated risks on individuals facing personal struggles. Hollands’ case exemplifies this shift, while Derksen’s persistence mirrors the “never give up” ethos celebrated in Australian sport.

Immediate Effects: Squad Depth and Fan Reactions

The immediate impact of these signings is already evident. With Derksen likely to compete for a key forward or ruck-rover role, and Hollands providing depth in the midfield and defense, Carlton’s playing group has gained valuable flexibility. Coaches can now experiment with combinations without fear of losing core contributors.

Fan response has been overwhelmingly positive. Social media platforms lit up with support for both players, many citing their underdog stories as inspiration. #BringBackDerksen and #HollandsHome trended briefly on X (formerly Twitter), with supporters praising Carlton’s willingness to give second chances.

However, not all reactions have been warm. Some analysts question whether the club is prioritizing sentiment over merit, especially given limited list spots and salary cap constraints. There’s also concern about whether either player can overcome past inconsistencies to deliver regular performances.

Still, the broader message resonates: in a league where turnover averages 30% annually, innovation in recruitment matters. By leveraging the SSP creatively, Carlton isn’t just filling roster spots — they’re signaling ambition and compassion in equal measure.

Future Outlook: Risks, Rewards, and Rival Responses

Looking ahead, success hinges on several factors. First, both players must demonstrate professionalism and adaptability during pre-season. Derksen will need to prove he can handle the physicality of AFL football after time away, while Hollands must rebuild confidence after personal setbacks.

Second, Carlton’s coaching staff must integrate them seamlessly into team structures. Mixed results could derail momentum, particularly if locker-room chemistry suffers. Conversely, strong performances could galvanize the entire squad — as seen with Luke Hodge’s late-career resurgence at Hawthorn.

Third, rival clubs may respond strategically. If Derksen excels, expect other teams to revisit similar SSP models next year. Likewise, if Hollands thrives, expect more clubs to prioritize psychological support alongside physical development.

Long-term, this episode could influence AFL policy. Should Derksen and Hollands succeed, it may prompt the league to expand trial programs or create dedicated “development pathways” for delisted players. It would also reinforce the value of long-term planning — something Carlton has historically lacked.

Ultimately, what began as a quiet off-season update has become a microcosm of modern AFL culture: evolving, empathetic, and fiercely competitive. For Wade Derksen and Elijah Hollands, it’s not just about earning a job — it’s about proving that dreams, however delayed, still belong in the spotlight.

As Carlton prepares for round one, all eyes will be on these two unlikely heroes. One thing’s certain: the journey isn’t over — it’s just entering its most critical chapter yet.