AFL finals: Sam Docherty’s bid for Carlton return gathers momentum

Sam Docherty’s bid to play in Carlton’s elimination final — 183 days after injuring his ACL — is gathering momentum. JON RALPH and GLENN MCFARLANE have the full details.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – September 8, 2023. AFL. 1st Elimination Final. Michael Voss, senior coach of Carlton hugs Sam Docherty after the elimination final between Carlton and Sydney Swans at the MCG in Melbourne, Australia. Photo by Michael Klein.

Carlton will take into account Sam Docherty’s brilliant first-up form as he pushes hard to show coach Michael Voss he is ready to make a shock finals return against Brisbane.

Docherty has at least four full sessions including a critical Saturday hitout to prove he is ready to return eight months after his most recent ACL tear.

Carlton could make as many as six changes for their elimination final clash against Brisbane on Saturday week, with Harry McKay (quad) and Charlie Curnow (ankle) certain starters.

Mitch McGovern (hamstring) and Zac Williams (hamstring) are both expected to play, but Tom De Koning (foot) and Adam Cerra (hamstring) are far from certain to take on the Lions.

Docherty tore his ACL in the first week of March against the Lions but has been in full training for three weeks after a remarkable recovery from an injury that often takes 12 months of healing.

Sam Docherty playing against the Lions last year. Picture: Michael Klein.

He is determined to take part in the final and has been told that he is at no more risk of tearing the ACL than any normal player given the strength markers he is ticking off.

When he made an emotional return from another bout of cancer in round 1, 2022 he had only an eight-week pre-season and starred with 26 possessions and a rousing goal.

So coach Michael Voss will have to weigh up whether he takes on the Lions as he already brings back players who he is aware could break down in that clash.

The Blues have had a host of players with recurring hamstring issues, while Curnow played off a bad ankle two weeks ago but lasted only a quarter.

The emotional boost to get back their former captain also has to be factored in given how beloved Docherty is with his teammates.

Carlton’s players were given four days off after they fell into the finals when Fremantle lost to Port Adelaide.

As the Blues assess their program leading into that Saturday night clash they will have four or five sessions as Docherty, Williams and McGovern all prove their fitness.

Michael Voss embraces Docherty. Picture: Michael Klein

Docherty’s knee is structurally sound and potentially he is less risk of suffering an injury during a cutthroat final than Williams and McGovern given their recent issues.

The Blues medical staff have only let him ramp up his training program because his strength markers are so solid.

Voss will also have to assess the players who are in form in the team and whether they deserve another chance after their performances against St Kilda.

Sub Ashton Moir was excellent in his limited time on the field and kicked a team-rousing goal, while Cooper Lord had 19 possessions and seven tackles in his second AFL game and won some key clearances late in the contest.

Docherty’s return would be a huge boost for the Blues. Picture: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images

While St Kilda still won the day through Jack Higgins’ brilliant last-minute goal the Blues had no forward target apart from Brodie Kemp and would feel they can upset Brisbane with Curnow and McKay back.

They combined for seven goals in the opening round clash against Brisbane as the Blues came back from 46 points down 20 minutes into the second quarter to win by a point through McKay’s goal at the 29 minute mark of the last term.