Sam Docherty suffers third ACL injury of AFL career

Carlton’s incredible comeback win over Brisbane Lions has been soured by a cruel season-ending injury to one of the club’s favourite sons.

Sam Docherty is tackled against the Lions. Picture: Russell Freeman/AFL Photos via Getty Images

Popular Carlton star Sam Docherty has suffered a third heartbreaking ACL injury.

In a sad postscript to one of the Blues’ greatest recent wins at the Gabba on Friday night, scans on Saturday revealed that Docherty had ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament and torn the meniscus in his right knee, ending his season.

This masthead confirmed the news late on Saturday, with the Blues vowing to stand behind the 30-year-old, who has already returned from two reconstructions on his other knee as well as twice overcome from testicular cancer.

Incredibly, Docherty kept trying to play on after what the club hoped was a jarred knee, suffered in a Callum Ah Chee tackle, but he was ultimately subbed out of the contest.

It came on the same night that Lions defender Keidean Coleman also suffered a season-ending knee injury.

Carlton general manager of football Brad Lloyd conceded Docherty’s injury would have an impact on the rest of the playing group, given the respect he has within the club.

Sam Docherty is tackled against the Lions. Picture: Russell Freeman/AFL Photos via Getty Images

But he stressed the entire club would rally around the popular defender as he prepares for surgery and a long rehabilitation.

“There is arguably no player in our competition who is more beloved than Sam Docherty,” Lloyd said.

“Football becomes almost insignificant when you consider all Sam has endured and overcome over the last few years, this news simply isn’t fair, but as Carlton people we love Sam dearly - we will support him through this so he can return to the field when he is ready.

“It won’t just be the entire Carlton family behind Sam, I can safely say the football world no doubt will be as well.”

Docherty missed the 2018 and 2019 season after two off-season ACL injuries.

It’s also a blow to the Blues’ premiership aspirations, given how much they will miss his drive off halfback and his leadership skills.

“His impact on our side will certainly be missed on the field, however his impact on his teammates and on the selfless environment we are creating will continue to be profound right throughout the club,” Lloyd said.

“Sam will throw his heart and soul into helping his teammates get the best out of themselves because that is just the person he is - and he knows we’ll be right alongside him through every step of his rehabilitation.”

Docherty remains contracted to the Blues until the end of 2025.

Heartbroken for Doc. The heartbeat of our club.#StrongerTogetherpic.twitter.com/yhJRbPlVLU

— Rainman (@ItsTheRainman) March 9, 2024

Sam Docherty deserves the world. I cannot explain the heartbreak & devastation I feel for him, how much bad luck can one man endure throughout this career. Small in the bigger picture of his life & it is only a footy injury, we know - but a third ACL. He does not deserve this.

— Carlton News & Stats (@UptheBaggers) March 9, 2024

Another ACL for Sam Docherty. That’s so cruel.

— Darren 🧢 (@DrBlackVelvet) March 9, 2024

Originally published as Sam Docherty suffers third ACL injury of AFL career