AFL 2022: Sam Docherty steps down as Carlton co-captain
A Blues star will step aside from the co-captaincy position in a move that will allow the fan favourite to shoulder less responsibility in 2022.
AFL News
Don't miss out on the headlines from AFL News. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Sam Docherty will step aside from the co-captaincy position at the Blues in 2022 as he continues his recovery from testicular cancer.
Carlton announced on Wednesday morning that the decision has been made to allow Docherty to focus on himself this year.
“Sam is an exceptional individual and has been a tremendous leader for this football club,” Head of Football Brad Lloyd said.
“Right now, our priority remains on ensuring we continue to provide support to Sam throughout this period, to allow him every opportunity to focus on himself”.
Stream every match of every round of the 2022 Toyota AFL Premiership Season Live & Ad-Break Free During Play on Kayo. New to Kayo? Try 14-days free now.
Docherty was diagnosed with testicular cancer for the second time in August last year, after initially being diagnosed in November 2020.
A routine check-up found the cancer had returned and Docherty then underwent a 12-week bout of chemotherapy treatment.
“We know the quality person Doc is and we don’t expect his involvement as a leader, despite not being in the leadership group to alter – we’ve seen time and again the presence he brings to each and every training session and we know he’ll continue to support the group,” new Senior Coach Michael Voss said.
“Our role right now is to continue to support him and ensure his recovery remains the Club’s primary focus”.
The Carlton playing group rallied behind the defender following his diagnosis, with the ‘Doing it for Doc’ campaign.
The Blues raised over $100k in funds for the Peter Mac Foundation which focuses on finding better ways to prevent, detect, treat and cure cancers.
A number of players also shaved their heads in a show of support to Docherty and to help raise awareness on the issue which affects hundreds of thousands of Australians each year.
Patrick Cripps was also co-captain in 2021 and the Club is set to finalise the leadership group in the coming weeks.
More Coverage
Originally published as AFL 2022: Sam Docherty steps down as Carlton co-captain
Ablett family reveal details of son’s condition
Jordan and Gary Ablett had been reluctant to discuss many details about their little boy’s heartbreaking condition until now.
Four Cats sign on as flag trio remain without deals
Four Cats have signed short-term contracts with the club, including a free agent. It means three ageing stars are the only uncontracted Geelong players at the club.