Carlton banking on sharp rise up AFL ladder in 2019 but Sam Docherty injury set to hurt

Sam Docherty’s absence in 2019 means Carlton will likely finish further down the AFL ladder. Sam Landsberger writes while that may have Stephen Silvagni feeling sick, one rival could benefit.

Stephen Silvagni must feel sick.

Carlton’s list boss gave life to the AFL’s revamped national draft last month when he swapped future first-round picks with Adelaide in a live trade to secure Liam Stocker.

The Blues rated inside bull Stocker at No.6 and got him at No.19.

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What a steal, according to the Blues.

The only question remaining was whether coach Brendon Bolton’s team could climb the ladder next year to help justify the deal.

Carlton legend Chris Judd presented pick 19 Liam Stocker with a jumper after the Blues swooped on draft night. Pic: Getty Images

Finish last again and it would be the Crows that would pocket the No.1 draft selection.

In fact, Adelaide owns Carlton’s first two picks in next year’s draft, with the Blues holding Adelaide’s first selection.

Silvagni talked the talk on draft night.

“What happens if we finish higher than them?” Silvagni said.

It was a gutsy stance and one many supporters applauded.

But, sadly, after co-captain Sam Docherty suffered a second ACL tear on Monday, finishing above Adelaide appears even more unlikely.

The Crows beat the Blues by 104 points in Round 23 and Docherty, along with No.1 pick Sam Walsh and ex-Crow Mitch McGovern, shaped as a huge recruit.

Carlton list boss Stephen Silvagni hopes his club can surge in 2019. Pic: Getty Images

So, how many wins will Docherty’s absence cost the Blues in 2019? One? Two? Three?

What we know is it is certain to push them further down the ladder, and it will be the Crows that will profit.

And it so easily could have been Port Adelaide instead.

Silvagni offered Power list manager Jason Cripps the exact same trade one selection before the Crows.

Instead, Cripps kept pick No.18 and drafted Xavier Duursma.

No pressure, Port.

There was always the chance Docherty’s left knee could go again and the Blues needed to improve in every area to rise in 2019 anyway.

Sam Docherty was training well before Monday’s innocuous incident. Pic: Getty Images

Docherty’s absence opens the door for former Swan Nic Newman to help fill the void in 2019 and, possibly, Tom Williamson in years to come.

It also leaves Cripps to lead the Blues as sole captain with ex-skipper Marc Murphy, Kade Simpson and Ed Curnow in the leadership group.

But the Stocker trade is certain to be a story in 2019 and Docherty’s blow is the first chapter.

Welcome to live trading.