AFL 2021: Carlton players shave head in support of Sam Docherty, raise more than $100k

Carlton has raised more than $100,000 for cancer research in an inspirational show of support for popular co-captain Sam Docherty.

This was all class from Carlton. Picture: Instagram/Getty

Players at the Carlton Football Club have raised more than $100,000 for cancer research by shaving their heads in support of co-captain Sam Docherty.

More than 20 players on Carlton’s senior list, including Patrick Cripps, Jacob Weitering, Sam Walsh and Nic Newman, shaved their heads on Friday in solidarity with Docherty, who announced in August that his testicular cancer had returned.

Kayo is your ticket to the best local and international sport streaming Live & On-Demand. New to Kayo? Start Your Free Trial >

The money raised by Carlton’s initiative will be donated to the Peter MacCallum Cancer Foundation, a non-profit run by the hospital at which Docherty is receiving treatment, the Peter MacCallum Centre.

By Friday afternoon, the Blues had raised more than $100,000, far exceeding their target of $5000.

Carlton has encouraged fans to follow the playing group’s lead and shave their own heads in support of Docherty.

“One of our own, Sam Docherty, is currently fighting a battle and as a club and broader community, we are wanting to show our support for him and the Peter Mac Foundation,” co-captain Cripps wrote in a statement earlier this week.

“On Friday 8 October, please join a number of players as we shave our heads in support for Sam.

“We will post before and after photos plus videos, and we would love for you to do the same and tag the Carlton Football Club and the Peter Mac Foundation.

“Thank you in advance for your generosity, and we can’t wait to see a few shaved heads getting around in support.”

Peter Cripps (left) and Sam Docherty are Carlton’s captains. Picture: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images

Docherty had successful surgery to remove a malignant testicular tumour last November but is undergoing a 12-week course of chemotherapy, hoping to purge his body of the cancer once and for all.

Earlier in the week, Docherty revealed he had “powered through” the first half of his treatment and was “feeling great”.

“I wanted to thank everyone that has reached out to me, (I) appreciate the kind words and gestures,” he wrote on Instagram.

“I can’t believe the amount of support and generosity we are receiving for the @petermaccancercentre.

“I have experienced first hand the amazing work that the nurses and doctors do every single day and I am proud to be able to help raise money and awareness for an incredible foundation. The money raised will have a significant impact on so many fights against all types of cancer.

“Although there are some tough periods, I am managing really well and have powered through the first half of my treatment. Not long left now of this chapter.”