One of the bravest and most resilient AFL competitors of all time has called it a day, with Father Time finally catching up to Carlton superstar Sam Docherty.
The midfielder has announced that he will play his 184th and final AFL game when Carlton play Hawthorn on Thursday night at the MCG.
The former skipper will be further acknowledged with a tribute at the club’s next home game against the Gold Coast Suns on August 9.
But after 183 AFL matches and a host of courageous comebacks, the 31-year-old has decided to call time on his decorated career immediately.
When it comes to overcoming adversity to return to footy, Docherty wrote the book.
Docherty has bravely battled testicular cancer on two separate occasions. He was first diagnosed in 2020 and underwent surgery and treatment before returning to AFL.
Sam Docherty announces retirement after 184 games and a career full of unmatched resilience and emotional comebacks
From battling cancer twice to three ACL tears, Docherty’s story has redefined toughness in modern AFL history
From playing for Phillip Island as a junior to living his dream of captaining Carlton, Docherty fulfilled a boyhood goal
In 2021, he revealed the cancer had returned, forcing him into another round of chemotherapy. Despite the physical and emotional toll, Docherty remained a key leader at Carlton throughout his recovery.
On top of that, Docherty ruptured his ACL in Round 1 of the 2024 season at the Gabba, marking his third serious knee injury.
Incredibly, he completed a full rehabilitation in just six months, hitting every milestone to give himself a shot at finals.
Carlton confirmed his return for the elimination final against Brisbane – 183 days after the injury, and back at the same ground.
Despite the high stakes, Docherty gathered 16 disposals, three intercepts, and even kicked a goal. His comeback was seen as one of the most courageous moments of the AFL season.
Even as Carlton has faltered and stumbled its way through the 2025 season, Docherty has maintained strong form, consistently averaging just under 20 disposals per game – his highest career average to date.
He’s also been instrumental around stoppages, contributing around 5.9 clearances per match.
After all the ups and downs, Docherty said he was just happy he was able to live his childhood dream.
Fans will honour Docherty at Carlton’s next home game with a full-scale tribute at Marvel Stadium
Even during Carlton’s struggles in 2025, Docherty’s form remained strong, averaging nearly 20 disposals per match
Coach Michael Voss praised Docherty for turning adversity into triumph, both on and off the AFL field
‘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,’ he said.
‘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.
‘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.’
Docherty said it was the connections he had made during his time in the sport that he would value the most.
‘Perspective is such a valuable thing, and that is what I am most grateful for in my career,’ he said.
‘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 goalposts 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 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.’
Coach Michael Voss praised the resilient midfielder for overcoming every challenge that came his way.
‘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.’
