- Sam Docherty returns for Carlton’s first final
- Blue is injured for 183 days after knee rehabilitation
- AFL star has also beaten testicular cancer twice
Carlton’s courageous utility Sam Docherty will make one of the quickest comebacks from knee reconstruction in AFL history when he returns for the Blues’ elimination final against the Brisbane Lions.
The 30-year-old will return to action just 183 days after suffering an injury during a match against the same opponent at the Gabba, the venue for Saturday night’s knockout final.
That means Docherty’s final three games will all be against the club he was drafted for in 2011, after losing to Brisbane in last year’s preliminary final, winning the season opener and now playing in the sudden-death final again.
When the former Blues co-captain was injured on March 8, it was simply said he would miss the entire season.
AFL players typically take 12 months to recover from an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear, but Docherty, who has twice beaten testicular cancer, recovered in six months.
Even a few weeks ago, when it was first mooted that he would play again this season, the idea seemed far-fetched and difficult to comprehend.
“He’s put a lot of time and effort into his return and once you set your mind to something he’s the motivated type to do it,” Carlton vice-captain Jacob Weitering said on Tuesday.
‘The boys were enthusiastic and I’m sure he’ll do a good job for us this weekend.
Sam Docherty (pictured) will be selected to play in the Carlton final after injuring his knee in the opening round this year
The 30-year-old footballer will return to action after just 183 days since the injury
‘Sam, I said he has a chance (of playing again this season in June), but if you were to name someone else, the chances are slim.
“It says a lot about him as a person… his dedication to the team, our mission and the greater goal of ultimately winning the league.
“He knows he probably won’t be in the system much longer and he’s certainly committed to doing that for us.”
Collingwood forward Daniel McStay returned to action in round 19 this year, 234 days after tearing his anterior cruciate ligament in training.
Western Bulldogs great Tony Liberatore holds the record for the fastest successful comeback, having gone down in round five in 1998 and playing again in round 21 of that same season.
Other players, such as David Schwartz (Melbourne), tried to return quickly, but were injured again shortly afterwards.
The announcement that Docherty would return came as the team were having a recovery session in the pool.
The team erupted in anger when they heard the announcement and quickly lifted their teammate out of the water to celebrate.
Docherty isn’t the only Carlton player returning against the Lions, with key forwards Charlie Curnow (ankle) and Harry McKay (quadriceps) also making an extra effort during training on Monday.
AFL players typically take up to 12 months to recover from an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear, but Docherty is back on his feet in six months.
Defender Mitch McGovern (hamstring), utility Zac Williams (hamstring), ruckman Tom de Koning (foot) and midfielder Adam Cerra (hamstring) will also get the chance to play.
“It is of course difficult to enter the selection this week, there may be a few changes,” said Weitering.
“I wouldn’t say it’s a risk (to bring back so many players at once).”
Weitering missed Carlton’s convincing comeback win against the Lions in March, but he believes the Blues will benefit greatly from their victory at the Gabba fortress.
“The way the boys responded, especially the last 90 seconds, was just unbelievable to watch. The way we decided the game,” said the newly-crowned All-Australian defender.
‘They (Brisbane) did it in the preliminary round (last year). We did it at the start of the year.
‘The only thing that matters is the next game, which is on Saturday night.’