- Carlton star Sam Docherty is retiring from the AFL
- Hawthorn clash on July 24 at MCG will be his final game
Carlton star Sam Docherty has announced this week’s game against Hawthorn will be his 184th and final AFL game – before stating he feels ‘privileged’ after being diagnosed with testicular cancer twice.
And in emotional scenes, the inspirational defender also reduced long-time Blues teammate Patrick Cripps to tears as he thanked the two-time Brownlow medallist for their sporting journey together.
‘Unfortunately I don’t get that (premiership dream) but I walk away pretty happy and fulfilled with everything else that has happened throughout my career,’ Docherty said on AFL 360 on Tuesday.
‘I think most people would come into footy and the thought of playing 300 games and winning Brownlow medals and best-and-fairests and All Australians, that’s what takes your fancy when you first start.
‘I obviously got dealt a set of cards (cancer) that were pretty difficult to play at times.
‘The reality is losing my dad made all the personal accolades make sense for me, but my cancer diagnosis changed the goalposts in some ways about what I actually value in my career.
Carlton star Sam Docherty has announced this week’s game against Hawthorn will be his 184th and final AFL game – before stating he feels ‘privileged’ after being diagnosed with testicular cancer twice
Seeking regular football, Docherty joined Carlton from Brisbane in 2014 (pictured, with his wife Nat)
‘I feel privileged and lucky to have gone through that in some weird way because I walk out with perspective….I don’t think that was the lesson I thought I was going to get when I came to footy, but that is what I’ve ended up with and I’m very glad I’ve got it.’
When addressing the Carlton playing group about hanging up his boots, Docherty singled out Cripps for his ongoing friendship.
‘Crip, sorry mate, we don’t get to share that moment together,’ Docherty began.
‘We’ve been at this for a long time man.
‘From crisis meeting walks on a Sunday to beers and, we’ve been having this solid goal for a very, very long time man and I love ya.
‘I hope you get what you deserve in footy and I hope you get what you’re chasing.
‘But I want to thank you for everything you’ve given me. It’s been a hell of a journey.
‘Hopefully the club can, if you win one, let me roll it out to you, that’d be nice.
‘But yeah mate you’re an amazing leader, an amazing friend. You’ve guided me and helped me a hell of a lot over my time so thank you very much.’
Docherty made his AFL debut with the Brisbane Lions in 2012, eventually playing 13 games across two seasons.
Sam Docherty’s tenacity has seen him become a revered figure with footy fans from all clubs (pictured, celebrating a recent goal against the Melbourne Demons)
Seeking regular football, he then moved interstate and joined Carlton in 2014, where he has become a fan favourite.
In 2020, Docherty was diagnosed with the first of two bouts of testicular cancer, which saw him undergo multiple surgeries and chemotherapy treatment.
The father of two made a triumphant return, only to then be sidelined after rupturing his ACL early last season.
Against the odds, Docherty returned for the finals, but the Blues were beaten by eventual premiers Brisbane.
