Sam Docherty will play his 184th and final AFL game when he pulls on the Navy Blue this Thursday night at the MCG.
Docherty has today announced his retirement from the game, loved and respected not only by the Carlton faithful, but the entire AFL industry.
While this week’s game against the Hawks will be his last, the former skipper will be further acknowledged with a fitting tribute at the Club’s next home game against the Gold Coast Suns on 9 August.
As a player and as a person, Docherty is resilience personified.
Landing at IKON Park from Brisbane at the end of 2013, where he played 13 games, the boyhood Blue took on the responsibility to help lead the Club almost instantly upon his arrival.
A John Nicholls Medallist in 2016, Docherty followed that up with All-Australian honours in 2017 before officially stepping up alongside great mate Patrick Cripps the following year to take over the captaincy of the Carlton Football Club from Marc Murphy, a title he held until 2022.
After playing every game for the Blues in 2016 and 2017, Docherty was sidelined for the next two seasons after undergoing back-to-back ACL reconstructions.
He returned in 2020 to play quality football during a challenging COVID-interrupted year, that was then compounded when Docherty was diagnosed with the first of two bouts of testicular cancer, which saw him undergo multiple surgeries and chemotherapy treatment.
A testament to how highly regarded Docherty is in the Carlton family, every one of his teammates and countless Bluebaggers around the country shaved their heads for the #DoingItForDoc campaign – which raised an incredible $219,000 for the Peter Mac Cancer Foundation.
As though that wasn’t enough, Docherty also stepped up to be an Observer to the Board of the Peter Mac Foundation and has been committed to doing all he can since to raising much-needed funds towards cancer research.
In a testament to the impact he has made, Docherty has been instrumental in fundraising for the Peter Mac Cup – played annually between Carlton and Collingwood – with nearly $700,000 raised in the past two years.
After two ACL injuries and multiple bouts of cancer, he would have been forgiven for calling it a day at that time – but that simply is not the Sam Docherty way.
He remained determined, focused and incredibly strong to build himself back up 12 months later, to where he took his place on the John Nicholls Medal podium at the end of 2022, finishing runner-up to Cripps – a remarkable achievement for all Docherty had endured throughout a three-year period.
A shift from defence to the midfield was a key part of the memorable Navy Blue wave of momentum in the back half of 2023, which saw the Club win 11 of 12 games on its way to a preliminary final berth.
As part of that run, Docherty would etch himself further into Carlton hearts, playing a central role in the game-winning play that sealed a thrilling semi-final win over Melbourne, streaming through the middle of the MCG to find Blake Acres at the top of the goal square for an unforgettable moment.
Another significant challenge arrived at the start of 2024, when a third ACL injury in Opening Round was thought to have ended his year before it began.
But that proved to be just another way for Docherty to defy the odds, launching himself into what was an unprecedented rehab, returning to the Carlton side 26 weeks later to make himself available for his club in a second consecutive finals series.
In addition to his contribution to the Peter Mac Cancer Foundation, Docherty is also an ambassador for MacKillop Family Services’ Paws4Kids program, an initiative which helps vulnerable children get back into the classroom through the support of therapy dogs.
Docherty’s remarkable off-field work earned him the Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award in 2023 – presented to the player that embodies the values of the late Melbourne champion in their commitment to helping others, making a difference and representing the game on and off the field.
It has been an unparalleled journey of resilience, strength and on and off-field brilliance for Docherty, who reflected on his time in the game.
“When I was a kid my entire family used to climb into a van and drive from Phillip Island to the MCG for Round 1 every year. For me to get the chance to go on and play in those games, and also captain the club that I grew up supporting – I can honestly say it’s a dream come true,” Docherty said.
“To have built the most incredible friendships over the last 14 years which I will take with me for the rest of my life, I am so incredibly thankful and I appreciate everyone who has supported me through it all.
“Perspective is such a valuable thing, and that is what I am most grateful for in my career. When my career started I thought a footballer had to define themselves by the accolades they achieved: while I am certainly grateful for those that have come my way, I will leave this game with so much more.
“The experiences I have had not just in my football career, but in life, have moved the goal posts for me – while there has been no shortage of challenges, because of what I have been through I have been allowed to meet so many amazing people and have had the opportunity to have an impact far greater than kicking or handballing a football ever could.
“My wife Nat night has been my rock through everything: I knew when I faced every challenge, we would be doing it together. I cannot thank her enough for her support and I can’t wait to begin the next chapter of our lives together with Ruby and Myles.”
AFL Senior Coach Michael Voss paid tribute to all Sam Docherty has meant to the Carlton Football Club.
“For every challenge Sam has faced, he has turned it into a triumph,” Voss said.
“I still remember clear as day the first face-to-face conversation I had with Sam at the back end of 2021: we went for a walk and he told me he was going to play in Round 1 in a few months’ time. To see him defy the odds and do that, to kick that goal against the Tigers – that typifies what a remarkable mindset he has.
“He has captained our club, won a best and fairest, All Australian and been a sounding board for so many of our younger players, and all those things only tell half the story of the Sam Docherty impact. What he has done and will keep doing in the community continues to be an inspiration.
“Our football club is forever grateful for Sam and the sacrifices he made to be able to pull on the Navy Blue – we wish him, his wife Nat and Ruby and Myles nothing but happiness for their next chapter. They know they will always be able to call Carlton home.”