Carlton defender Sam Docherty has announced that he will retire following the Blues’ fixture on Thursday night at the MCG.

Docherty will put a full stop at the end of his storied playing career after 184 senior games.

A strong leadership figure at Princes Park, Docherty has overcome two bouts of testicular cancer to extend his playing career. He also missed the 2018 and 2019 seasons after undergoing back-to-back ACL reconstructions.

Docherty went under the knife for multiple surgeries and also had chemotherapy treatment, returning to football each time due to his “resilience, strength and on-and-off-field brilliance”.

MORE TO COME.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 08: Sam Docherty of the Blues is congratulated by team mates after kicking a goal during the First Elimination Final AFL match between Carlton Blues and Sydney Swans at Melbourne Cricket Ground, on September 08, 2023, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

Sam Docherty in action for the Blues. Quinn Rooney via Getty Images