Sam Docherty’s devastating speech leaves Carlton captain Patrick Cripps in tears

Carlton’s Sam Docherty has left a superstar teammate an absolute wreck after delivering a heartfelt moment during his retirement speech.

Carlton’s Sam Docherty has delivered a heartbreaking message to long-time teammate Patrick Cripps during the defender’s retirement speech on Tuesday.

Docherty, 31, has announced that Thursday night’s game against Hawthorn will be his 184th and last in Carlton colours.

FOX FOOTY, available on Kayo Sports, is the only place to watch every match of every round in the 2025 Toyota AFL Premiership Season LIVE in 4K, with no ad-breaks during play. New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1.

Having overcome two bouts of testicular cancer and two ACL injuries to forge an AFL career that included All-Australian honours and a club best and fairest, Docherty told his teammates of his decision to walk away in emotional scenes.

And he reserved a special message for Cripps, who was a co-captain alongside Docherty from 2019 to 2021 before the two-time Brownlow medallist took over the role solo.

Watch Sam Docherty’s emotional speech in the video player above

Sam Docherty celebrates with fans after Carlton’s round 19 win over Melbourne. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)

Docherty wanted to apologise for not being able to realise their dream of a premiership victory together for the Navy Blues before he retired.

“Crip, sorry mate, we don’t get to share that moment together,” Docherty said as both he and Cripps shed tears.

“We’ve been, we’ve been at this for a long time man.

“From crisis meeting walks on a Sunday to beers and, we’ve been having this solid goal for a very, very long time man and I love ya.

“I hope you get what you deserve in footy and I hope you get what you’re chasing.

Docherty's heartbreaking message for Patrick Cripps. Photos: Facebook

“But I want to thank you for everything you’ve given me. It’s been a hell of a journey.

“Hopefully the club can, if you win one, let me roll it out to you, that’d be nice.

“But yeah mate you’re an amazing leader, an amazing friend. You’ve guided me and helped me a hell of a lot over my time so thank you very much.”

Posted by the Carlton footy club on Facebook around 5.30pm AEST on Tuesday, the video has already had over 150,000 views, more than 7500 likes and more than 760 comments.

Docherty missed all of the 2018 and 2019 seasons after undergoing back-to-back ACL reconstructions.

But on his return in 2020 he was diagnosed with the first of two bouts of testicular cancer.

Docherty in hospital after his second knee reconstruction. Photo: Supplied

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 of his retirement 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.

“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.

Cripps, Docherty and Oliver Hollands celebrate a goal during the win over the Dees. (Photo by Morgan Hancock/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)

“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.”

Voss paid tribute to Docherty and what he had meant to the Carlton Football Club.

“For every challenge Sam has faced, he has turned it into a triumph,” Voss said.

Docherty and Cripps during the Blues’ 2023 elimination final against the Swans. Photo by Michael Klein.

“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.”

- with NewsWire

Originally published as Sam Docherty’s devastating speech leaves Carlton captain Patrick Cripps in tears