Carlton will unveil supplemental selection period (SSP) recruit Wade Derksen against North Melbourne in the annual Good Friday clash at Marvel Stadium.
Derksen received an AFL lifeline at the Blues after a four-year stint at GWS, which didn't result in any senior football, came to a close at the end of last year.
The former Giant was vying for a solitary list spot alongside Elijah Hollands during the summer, and missed out. But a fresh vacancy opened when small forward Jesse Motlop tore his ACL.
Derksen will come in following the concussion injury to fellow key defender Harry Dean.
The 24-year-old's AFL journey began when he signed as a mid-season recruit in 2022 with the Giants, impressing as a key position prospect in the state-league levels.
He was unable to bypass the likes of Sam Taylor, Harry Himmelberg, Jesse Hogan, Aaron Cadman and Jack Buckley at either end of the ground, playing in 57 VFL matches for the Giants.
Derksen sought a trade away to Victoria at the end of 2024, with Melbourne showing heavy interest that ultimately didn't eventuate after he was kept to his contract.
As his time at GWS came to a close at the end of last year, Derksen signed with local football club Montmorency, as well as playing for Nightcliff in the NTFL.
He never featured for Montmorency, as his Carlton train-on journey began, which led to another shot at the big time.
An impressive start in Blues colours last week in the reserves put Derksen's name into selection consideration, and as Dean was ruled out, his AFL debut was more than on the cards.
Derksen will not be the only change to Carlton's line-up, with midfielder Adam Cerra set to return from injury, while dashing defenders Nic Newman and Jordan Boyd are also in consideration, according to coach Michael Voss.
The Blues will finalise their team at 6:20pm (AEST) on Thursday.
