The "spark" behind Harry Dean's Carlton connection

Carlton father-son prospect Harry Dean is just weeks away from following the footsteps of his father’s storied career.

Peter Dean was a stalwart member of Carlton’s success throughout the 80’s and 90’s, winning two premierships in ’87 and ’95 as a dashing defender that captured the hearts of Blues fans everywhere.

Playing 248 times for the club, Dean was inducted into the Carlton Hall of Fame in 1998, and 27 years later, son Harry will carry on The General’s legacy in navy blue.

With the Blues committed to match any bid that arrives on draft night, Harry Dean - an elite key defender coming through the Murray Bushrangers and Vic Country – won’t have to wait long before his name is called, shaping as a genuine top 10 prospect in this year’s National Draft.

A star in the Talent League, Dean grew up idolising the jumper, supporting the Blues throughout his junior years – albeit a choice beyond his own.

“Obviously I was a little bit forced because of Dad, but also Mum supported the Blues,” Dean told SEN Sportsday.

“Dad had a pretty big impact on the club, with so many games and two premierships. Still, just walking through some parts through Melbourne he gets a bit of recognition.

“It has a spark in a way – to see how important Dad was to the club. It’s come all together and shown that my last name is pretty special.”

Carrying a significant name in Carlton’s storied history, Dean does feel the pressure of living up to the career of his old man, however, remains steadfast in his goal to build his own legacy.

“Having Dad’s last name added a bit of pressure especially this year,” Dean admitted.

“Last year to prove myself and hopefully get drafted if I’ve had a good year. Obviously, there’s a bit of pressure, he had a pretty good career and hopefully I start mine soon.

“Different player, different playing style in a way. I’m just trying to build my own identity in a way.”

Dean’s rise up the draft boards has been highlighted by his readiness for AFL football, with many scouts suggesting that the key defender significantly exceeded the talent of his Coates Talent League opponents.

With that in mind, Dean has his eyes set on featuring in the navy blue as early as possible in 2026.

“I’ve set some pretty hard goals – talking about trying to play Round 1,” he said.

“I had surgery not long ago, but the body is feeling pretty good. I’ve been told that I was a man playing against boys in the Vic Metro games so that shot my confidence up a bit.

“Just waiting for the draft, get into the system, hit the pre-season and see how it goes from there. If I’m lucky enough to play Round 1, I’ll play Round 1, but I’ll just be happy to be there.”

Growing up within the Carlton bubble, Dean has already put in hours with the Blues’ defensive unit, and with sights set on forming a key partnership with star defender Jacob Weitering.

“I’ve been watching ‘Weits’ over my journey, got him hung up in my room!

“Obviously, we’re sort of the same player, but he is a giant compared to me. (Harry) O’Farrell had a good year this year, pretty sad that he did his ACL.

“I’d be pretty happy to be within those players, with Nick Haynes, Mitch McGovern, O’Farrell and Weitering.”

Having now been officially nominated by the Blues for the upcoming National Draft, Dean admits that it wasn’t always a guarantee that he would land at his childhood club, particularly as he dealt with injury struggles across his junior years.

“Last year I was hoping for a good year and broke my shoulder,” he said.

‘I was thinking to myself, ‘what might happen here’. Talked to the Carlton boys and they were speaking to each other, they said just play the game and see what happens.

“They were still keen on taking me, and through the year they kept giving me feedback on what was going to happen.

“Towards the end of the season, we all met up together and they said they’d like to take me. I feel pretty special.”

Dean will officially become a Blue on November 19th, the first round of the National Draft.