Inspirational Blue Sam Docherty to play final AFL game on Thursday against Hawthorn

One of footy’s most inspirational careers will soon come to a close, and retiring Carlton champion Sam Docherty had one parting apology to a great mate in a touching final speech.

Carlton champion Sam Docherty will retire with a parting apology and hope for superstar Blues captain Patrick Cripps.

Docherty announced his retirement on Tuesday morning, drawing a curtain on one of footy’s most motivating careers.

He will play his 184th and final game this Thursday against Hawthorn at the MCG.

Docherty moved from Brisbane to Carlton ahead of the 2014 season just days before the Blues drafted their now dual Brownlow Medal champion out of Western Australia.

They arrived at Princes Park together and would eventually captain the club together in 2021.

In a brilliant retirement speech in front of family, friends and teammates, Docherty detailed a decade-long dream he and Cripps shared.

Cripps and Docherty shared a decade long dream together. Picture: Morgan Hancock/AFL Photos/via Getty Images

He apologised for calling time prematurely but hoped Cripps would carry on to live out their dream of premiership success.

“I have already made the big fella cry today but to ‘Crip’, a bit more prepared this time, mate,” Docherty said.

“Thanks, mate, again. We’ve had a solid dream together for the last 10 to 12 years about where we wanted to take this footy club.

“I am sorry we don’t get that moment we’ve dreamed of, it’s something I have chased with you and wanted to have with you for my whole time I’ve been at the club.

"'Crip'. I'm sorry we don't get to share that moment together... I love ya."

When breaking the news to the team, Sam Docherty had this emotional message for great mate Patrick Cripps... yep 🥺

Full version to come. #ThankYouDocpic.twitter.com/a8YCYn5EGG

— Carlton FC (@CarltonFC) July 22, 2025

“Hopefully you get what you deserved and you get the success you deserve across your career, mate.

“Thanks for guidance, friendship, love, support, all of that across my career, mate, I’ve needed it more than you’ll ever know.”

Docherty said three games have stood out across his career.

The milestone game of his good mate Kade Simpson, who will coach Hawthorn’s back six in Docherty’s last game, his first game back from his cancer battle and the final win over Melbourne in 2023.

Docherty says good mate Kade Simpson’s (R) milestone match is a key career moment. Picture: AAP Image/Michael Dodge

“Three games that stick out to me the most,” he said.

“Simmo’s 250th, the emotion playing in that, he was my idol, still was when he was here and still is now, to be honest.

“Playing his milestone moment, having a big win, my return game from cancer and kicking the goal with everything behind that and what that meant to other people.

“Then the semi-final win over Melbourne, three games, to be honest most of the other memories … the fun of being in a footy club, the people you meet, the highs and lows of it all – it’s all just a big part of footy I have loved.”

Originally published as Inspirational Blue Sam Docherty to play final AFL game on Thursday against Hawthorn