Star father-son prospect Harry Dean says it would be “pretty special” to play for Carlton, which has provided “unreal” experiences for the key defender across recent years.

Viewed as a genuine top-10 player in this year’s draft pool, Dean is tied to the Blues via the father-son rule as his dad, Peter Dean, played 248 games for Carlton, including the 1987 and 1995 premierships.

The Blues landed both Ben and Lucas Camporeale – the sons of premiership Blue Scott Camporeale – via last year’s draft, while highly-rated 2026 prospect Cody Walker – the son of 202-game Blue Andrew Walker – has already formally agreed to join the club as a father-son selection next year.

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While no agreement between Carlton and Dean has been formally struck yet, it’s widely expected the two parties will commit to each other and the Blues will officially nominate Dean later this month.

If so, the Blues are now well placed to match an early bid on Dean, considering on Friday it acquired Picks 9 and 19 as free agency compensation selections for losing Tom De Koning and Jack Silvagni to St Kilda.

Harry Dean at the Telstra AFL Draft Combine. Picture: Graham Denholm/AFL Photos/via Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images

Dean over recent years has spent ample time at Ikon Park – especially last year while sidelined with a shoulder injury – through the club’s father-son academy, which was initially named in honour of Peter Dean upon its launch back in 2015.

Speaking with foxfooty.com.au at the national draft combine, Dean said he loved working closely with the Blues’ AFL playing group and how they prepared for games.

“It was just unreal. It didn’t feel right as well being in the system,” he told foxfooty.com.au.

“Every time I go in there, I just think: ‘This is the real deal, these blokes play on the TV and I support them.’

“Hopefully I can play with them soon, yeah.”

Asked if his ideal scenario would be running out onto an AFL field as a Carlton player next year, Dean said: “I obviously want to be in the system anywhere. I’d play for anyone. But to wear the navy blue would be pretty special.”

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Dean was due to meet with Carlton shortly after speaking with foxfooty.com.au on Saturday.

The 17-year-old cheekily suggested he was “a bit forced into” barracking for Carlton as a kid. He conceded he had “a little bit of a soft spot for the Doggies”, but insisted the Blues remained his No.1 team.

Dean credited his dad for helping him improve – and focus more on – his professionalism, which ultimately boosted his draft prospects significantly.

“With Dad being around so much and being in the program, I’ve been getting tips off him,” he said.

“Obviously he had a pretty great career and then helped make the father-son academy, so I was pretty lucky for that. He hasn’t been involved with that for a bit now because of work and travel and looking after me, so it has changed into the Carlton Academy. But pretty grateful to be in that academy with the resources and people I can tap into. It’s been a huge influence for me.”

Harry Dean of Victoria Country. Picture: Rob Lawson/AFL PhotosSource: AFL Photos

Dean (193cm) this season thrived on the national stage for Vic Country, named at full-back in the Under 18 All-Australian side after averaging 15.3 disposals and a competition-high 3.5 intercept marks, while he went at 89 per cent efficiency by foot.

He played on a variety of forwards, including WA’s Charlie Banfield (190cm), SA’s Mitch Marsh (191cm), Allies’ Max King (191cm) and Vic Metro’s Zac McCarthy (199cm).

“I was pretty honoured to be able to wear the Big V this year. I remember the first presentation, just getting my jersey and being named the vice-captain – I was pretty surprised about that,” he said.

“The first game, obviously a bit nervous and I was like ‘this is the real deal’. But I warmed into the game and just went from there and I just felt comfortable.

“I like the challenge as well (of playing against different sized forwards). It also helps me and helps recruiters see that I can play on different players.

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Dean said he was “super happy” with his consistent and, crucially, injury-free draft year, adding he was confident he was prepared for full-time AFL professional footballer life.

“During the game against Vic Metro, I thought a bit that I could step up to the next level and overall through the nationals. Probably playing locally too playing senior men’s footy, it’s got me a bit more comfortable and used to the bigger bodies,” he said.

“Obviously it’s going to be a grind, nothing’s ever easy, but I’m willing to take on the challenge and I love a bit of a challenge. It’s going to be hard to work, but I’m ready.”