Sam Docherty close to making inspirational AFL return following cancer battle

A Carlton AFL player attempts to take a mark with his right hand against Adelaide.

Carlton says Sam Docherty is “still a chance” to play in round one of the AFL season, with the former Blues co-captain making significant progress after undergoing chemotherapy last year to treat testicular cancer for the second time.

Key points:

  • Docherty may play a preseason match against the Demons next week
  • The Blues says it will be a “huge spiritual boost” if Docherty is available in the opening round
  • Harry McKay is on the sidelines with a foot injury

Docherty had 12 weeks of chemotherapy after a recurrence of testicular cancer was found last August.

He stepped down as Blues co-captain last month to focus on his recovery.

The 28-year-old may play in the Blues’ preseason match against Melbourne on Thursday week.

Beyond the preseason, senior Blues assistant coach Ash Hansen said Docherty could be available for the opening-round match against Richmond on March 17.

“He’s ahead of where we expected him to be, and maybe that contributed to a little calf [injury] he suffered, but he’s responded well from that and is still a chance for round one,” Hansen said.

Author: Ivan Robinson