Carlton veteran Sam Docherty will play his final game against Hawthorn on Thursday night
Docherty will play his 18th and final game against Hawthorn on Friday night, having established himself as a player Carlton coach Michael Voss said had turned very challenge he'd faced into a 'triumph'.
Not only was Docherty a best and fairest winner at Carlton, he also captained the club, having overcome a raft of battles to forge a career to remember.
Docherty missed all of the 2018 and 2019 seasons after undergoing back-to-back ACL reconstructions.
But on his return in 2020 to he was diagnosed with the first of two bouts of testicular cancer.
Docherty underwent multiple surgeries and chemotherapy treatment, returning to football on both occasions amid a journey full of ' resilience, strength and on and off-field brilliance'.
The 31-year-old said he'd been able to live his dream, despite the hurdles he had to jump.
'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,' Docherty 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,' Docherty said.
'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.
'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.'
Blues coach Voss paid tribute to Docherty and what he has meant to the Carlton Football Club.
'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.
'Our football club is forever grateful for Sam and the sacrifices he made to be able to pull on the Navy Blue – we wish him, his wife Nat and Ruby and Myles nothing but happiness for their next chapter. They know they will always be able to call Carlton home.'
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