A CHIP off the old Navy Blue block.

Ever since Harry Dean’s first Carlton game, the youngster has been highlighted as an “old-school” defender who plays his footy the right way.

That reputation has only grown in recent weeks.

Playing his 10th game for the season on Friday night, Dean once again stood out in the Blues’ backline, playing with an edge and drawing the acclaim of each and every Carlton fan in attendance in a four-point victory.

On a big night for the Club in the 2026 AFL Carlton Respects Game, Dean once again showed he wasn’t to be overawed by the occasion, with a number of teammates highlighting his performance post-match.

Jacob Weitering:

“He’s a bit like his old man, he doesn’t give a whole lot. He’s a little bit different. Geez, he plays with some aggression - that’s hard to do when you’re only eight or nine games into your career.

“He’s doing a wonderful job, it’s a pleasure to play alongside him and he’s doing some unbelievable roles.”

Lachie Cowan:

“He’s quickly becoming everyone’s favourite player to play with. You know what you’re going to get from him every week. He’s a competitor, he goes hard every week, I love playing with him.

“When he came into the Club, he was pretty quiet: he’s really come out of himself. He’s a bit crazy. I was at his house the other night, he gets the zooms at the night time. It’s weird to see him like that, but he flicks the switch on game day.”

Sam Walsh:

“They’re getting a lot of confidence from us saying ‘Boys, go out and enjoy your footy. We want to keep bringing you into the game.’ Some of those guys, big moments from young players.

“Like Harry Dean, I could name all of them, but for a guy like that, it’s almost like he’s played 100 games or more of footy.”