Cancer survivor Sam Docherty to put an end to storied Carlton career after one more game for Blues

Carlton defender Sam Docherty has announced that he will retire following the Blues' fixture against the Hawks 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 respected 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.

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A third ACL injury in the opening round of the 2024 season was thought to have ended Docherty's year before it began, and potentially brought down the curtain on his career.

But in typical Docherty style, he found a way to defy the odds, returning to the Blues' senior side six months later to make himself available for the finals series.

The 31-year-old 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".

Docherty was the 2016 John Nicholls Medallist for Carlton's best and fairest player, and followed that award with an All-Australian honour in 2017.

The Victorian product was taken by the Lions with pick No.12 in the 2011 draft.

He was later traded to Carlton from Brisbane at the end of 2013 after playing 13 games across two seasons.

'Doc' served as co-captain of the club from 2018 until 2022, stepping up alongside great mate Patrick Cripps to take over the captaincy from Marc Murphy.

A boyhood Blue, Docherty reflected on his football career with a sense of fulfilment and gratitude.

"When I was a kid, my entire family used to climb into a van and drive from Phillip Island to the MCG for round one 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," he said in a club statement.

"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."

Docherty was first diagnosed with testicular cancer in 2020.

"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," Docherty said.

After undergoing treatment, he made a remarkable return to playing in 2021. However, in August 2021, a routine medical check-up revealed a secondary cancer occurrence, and this time the cancer had spread.

Once again showing his resolve, Docherty made an inspirational return to play in round one of the 2022 season, and at the end of the season, stepped onto the John Nicholls Medal podium.

Docherty has since become a passionate advocate for regular health check-ups and cancer research, joining the board of the Peter Mac Foundation and actively fundraising for initiatives such as the Peter Mac Cup between Carlton and Collingwood.

While the game against the Hawks will be Docherty's last, he will be acknowledged with a tribute at Carlton's next home game against the Gold Coast Suns on August 9.