Preseason Q&A: Harry Dean (Murray Bushrangers)
CARLTON father-son hopeful Harry Dean enters his top-age campaign with plenty of promise having had his 2024 season scuppered by injury. The high-leaping 193cm defender broke his arm in his one and only Coates Talent League appearance to date, but is back fit and firing in 2025.
Harry is the son of two-time premiership Blue Peter Dean, who played 248 games in the old dark navy. Dean senior has also played a significant role in junior’s development, coaching him at local level. The club ties saw Harry train with Carlton during preseason as part of the Blues’ academy.
The 17-year-old has learned off the likes of Mitch McGovern and Nick Haynes, while also impressing in Murray’s scratch match against Bendigo recently. We sat down with Dean at the Coates Talent League preseason testing event to chat about his football journey and the upcoming season.
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PRESEASON Q&A
Q: What are your memories of starting out in footy?
HD: Probably just starting off in the local district league, playing in the Upper Murray League for Bullioh and then just transitioning over to the Ovens & Murray League, which has been really good for me.
Q: How much have your dad and ties with Carlton helped your junior career?
HD: He’s had a big influence on my career, just the background of my footy journey. Obviously with the club, [Carlton] has been a big help for me and supporting me. They’ve been so good.
Q: I assume you barrack for the Blues?
HD: Oh yeah, forced to barrack for them.
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Q: Have you had any other mentors along the way?
HD: [Dad] has coached me through Under 16s and 18s locally. Mark Brown has also been pretty big for me and some of the other coaches through 16s were pretty helpful in the Bushies.
Q: Coming off a long-term injury last year, how was your recovery and how are you feeling now?
HD: I did it early in the season, which was a bit devastating. I was going to hopefully have a good year and see where I went from there. But I came back in the back-end and did a full preseason, so I’m fully recovered.
Q: How has the preseason been?
HD: First session back I was a bit nervous, just didn’t want to get injured again. But I’ve enjoyed it, the preseason has been really good. I feel really good, feel 100 per cent and I’m just keen to play.
Q: What role do you see yourself playing this year?
HD: I’m a bit taller now. I’m between a medium and tall defender, but I’ll probably line up at centre half-back or the back flank this year.
Q: How would you describe yourself as a player?
HD: That’s a tough one. Probably someone who can read the game and take the game on and just loves the contests.
Carlton's father-son run won't stop with the Campos?
— Callum Twomey (@CalTwomey) March 10, 2025
Harry Dean, son of Peter, impressed yesterday as a tall option for the Murray Bushrangers & is in this year's draft.
Then there's 2026 No.1 chance Cody Walker. The son of Andrew was BOG for Bendigo yesterday & looks a star.
Q: What are the strengths in your game?
HD: Probably my leap and marking, and just my competitiveness.
Q: And your areas for improvement?
HD: Probably to put on a bit more size in the gym. [Also] just working on the skills a bit more, doing extras.
Q: Is there a player you try and mould your game on?
HD: I’ve been involved with [Carlton] a lot so Mitch McGovern and a new player Nick Haynes have been pretty helpful to me. Just teaching me because I play similar to them and they’ve been a big support for me.
Q: What goals have you set for yourself this year?
HD: This year I’ve just set to play games in the Coates League and then hopefully step up to Vic Country. Then towards the end of the year hopefully get picked up.
Q: Which teammate do you think will have a big season?
HD: Probably Liam Hetherton down at full forward. He’ll have a good year I reckon.
>> MORE: Which CTL players are set for a breakout year?
