AFL 2022: Carlton coach Michael Voss puts cancer survivor Sam Docherty in the frame for round 1

Carlton took down the reigning premiers in a big win for new coach Michael Voss, but there was even better news earlier in the day.

Carlton coach Michael Voss was pleased with his side’s hit-out. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images

New Carlton coach Michael Voss has put a round 1 return firmly on the table for inspirational former skipper Sam Docherty after he put his cancer battle behind him in a stunning football return on Thursday.

Voss walked away “quite pleased” with what he saw from his team in Thursday’s AAMI Community series win over reigning premiers Melbourne in their final hitout before round 1.

The Blues’ new-look midfield was pivotal to the morale-boosting result, with fresh faces George Hewett and Adam Cerra linking up brilliantly with Patrick Cripps and Matthew Kennedy to quell Melbourne’s star-studded midfield.

“It’s testament to the work they’ve put in with each other … to try and form that relationship,” Voss said.

“The premiers have got a fair on-ball brigade, they’re a pretty good bunch … we walk away today feeling quite pleased with what we saw.”

Cripps, who has battled through numerous injuries over the years, was the standout with 31 disposals (13 contested), 10 clearances, eight tackles and four goals, and Voss sent out an ominous warning to the rest of the competition ahead of the season.

“He’s moving very well, he’s dynamic and going to prove a real threat to the opposition,” Voss said.

Patrick Cripps was dynamic. Picture: Robert Cianflone/Getty Images

Voss was equally impressed with Docherty, who made his footballing return earlier in the day for Carlton’s VFL side.

Docherty, an All-Australian in 2017, was diagnosed with a second bout of testicular cancer in August last year and was forced to undergo another round of chemotherapy.

But he has since completed a strong pre-season, and after racking up 38 disposals in the Blues’ VFL game on Thursday, Voss wouldn’t rule out selecting Docherty to take on Richmond in the season opener.

“He showed some really good signs today which was great to see,” Voss said after Carlton’s five-point pre-season win.

“The first time I turned up (to the club) he was pretty determined to ensure that he was going to figure early in the season and he’s done everything possible to be able to put himself in that position.

“There’s probably been a few times where it didn’t look like that was going to eventuate, but it’s still a bit of wait and see, how does he pull up, get another week of training under his belt and then we can make some decisions from there.

Sam Docherty had 38 disposals in his football return. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images

“You would’ve seen in the pre-season how much they (players) love him, and he’s obviously been a very important person to us over a long period of time, and that doesn’t change.”

Voss also liked what he saw of failed forward Mitch McGovern as an interceptor in defence against the Demons and he now looms as a crucial cog to cover the loss of the retired Liam Jones.

“He’s taken on that role, he’s really embraced that role, he definitely wants to play there and play an important role within our team,” Voss said.

Jack Silvagni (shoulder) and impressive small forward Corey Durdin (calf) failed to finish the game but are expected to be available for round 1.

Originally published as AFL 2022: Carlton coach Michael Voss puts cancer survivor Sam Docherty in the frame for round 1