AFL: Carlton defensive recruit Lewis Young reveals how cancer survivor Sam Docherty inspires him

Caleb Marchbank’s comeback game received plenty of attention but another Carlton footballer continues to inspire one of his newest teammates.

Sam Docherty’s comeback after a second battle with cancer is inspiring his Carlton teammates, including Lewis Young. Picture: Supplied

Carlton recruit Lewis Young plans to tell his future children about All-Australian teammate and cancer survivor Sam Docherty’s inspirational return to AFL football.

Docherty was the best player on the ground in the Blues’ 26-point defeat of Essendon on Friday night, while ex-Bulldog Young racked up 14 intercept possessions in his best game in his new colours.

“Coming in and hearing (Docherty’s) off-field story was just unbelievable,” Young said.

“It’s actually hard to put into words. I think one day I’ll probably tell my kids about this story and how resilient and great he’s been. He’s such a good player as well and I love playing with him.

Sam Docherty was outstanding against Essendon with 33 disposals and almost 700m gained. Picture: Michael Klein

“He always works hard and he’s such a good team player. The last couple of weeks, he’s gone back with the flight a couple of times and nearly killed himself and that’s just what you want from a teammate.”

Young arrived at Ikon Park with a then-gaunt Docherty still undergoing chemotherapy, after he was diagnosed with testicular cancer for a second time only months earlier.

“He was very skinny and I’m sure the other guys would have found it a little bit hard to see that, but the amount of work he’s put in has been (incredible),” he said.

“I can’t wait to look back on his story and just think about how resilient he’s been. It’s such a lifter for everyone in the team.

Carlton’s Caleb Marchbank played his first AFL game in almost three years against Essendon on Friday night. Picture: Getty Images

“I know that every time I don’t want to do something little – like maybe hang around and do five minutes’ extra handballing – after what he’s been through, I’ve got it good here, so why shouldn’t I be doing it?”

Docherty wasn’t Carlton’s sole source of inspiration this week, with defender Caleb Marchbank playing his first AFL game in 1069 days, or almost three years, after a series of injuries.

“I’m obviously not as invested as the other guys (who have been at the club longer), but I have heard his story and I knew from the outside in, he’s had a bloody tough run,” Young said of Marchbank.

“It’s just so good to see a guy like him out there. He’s such a good bloke ... good stories for good people.

Lewis Young was an intercepting force in Jacob Weitering’s absence. Picture: Getty Images

“‘We all sort of felt going into the game that we wanted to do our bit for ‘Marchy’, so it was good to get him the win.”

Young’s now played in nine of the Blues’ 12 matches this season after appearing only 24 times in five opportunity-starved seasons at the Bulldogs.

“I’m loving it, it’s great,” he said.

“I’ve come in and been given that respect straightaway. I’ve had to really work through my game to earn some respect off guys, but I’ve just been given that confidence to play my role and play my game, which has been awesome.

“The coaches have been great, just backing me in every week, so I feel more confident.”