Why Matthew Lloyd is convinced it's 'too big a risk' to play Carlton star after ACL injury
It will be nearly 190 days since Carlton veteran Sam Docherty pulled on the jumper and took to the field, after suffering his third ACL injury in the opening round of season 2024.
He'll suit up to take on Brisbane in the Blues' must-win elimination final at the Gabba on Saturday night.
And while his story is full of inspiration, AFL legend Matthew Lloyd isn't so sure coach Michael Voss is making the right call on Docherty.
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"I think that for me, he hasn't played since round one on the Gabba, since he did his knee. That's too long for me," Lloyd said on Nine's Footy Classified on Wednesday night.
Sam Docherty's knee injury in opening round. Fox Footy
"I love Sam Docherty, one of the more impressive people you'll meet, but I would never go down that track as a coach and bring someone (in) that has not played a game for 25, 26 weeks.
"That's too big a risk."
But on the other hand, Jimmy Bartel believes it could be the energy lift the Blues need, considering the way they limped into September.
The Blues have won just two of their last eight home-and-away matches, against West Coast (16th) and North Melbourne (17th).
Geelong's Tom Hawkins seen with Carlton's Sam Docherty in round 15, 2024. AFL Photos via Getty Images
"They need a shift in the changerooms. If you get even two or three per cent, you're going up, no one's expecting you to win and ... Sam Docherty comes flying off the half back line, you just watch them lift," Bartel said.
"I think his teammates will lift on the weekend if he gets his hands on the ball early."
Eddie McGuire thinks it's a very purposeful move from the Blues, too.
"Is this Sam Docherty's potential last run at a final? It could be his last game if they get done," McGuire said.
"With that in mind, the emotion and the comeback. If he can find something and lift this team ... this is one of the great stories."
On the other end of the scale, Geelong will not play retiring veteran Tom Hawkins in their qualifying final against Port Adelaide, as he battles to recover from a foot injury.
McGuire believes the Cats have a completely different plan compared to the Blues.
"Tom Hawkins not playing shows that Geelong have got more of a plan in place to win the grand final, as opposed to something to get up (in their qualifying final)," he said.
Hawkins will make his return via the VFL on Saturday.
The Blues face off against the Lions for a spot in the semi finals.
