’Goosebumps’ AFL moment ‘makes you want to cry’

The MCG has erupted with emotion as a football star’s inspirational return from a cancer battle created an extraordinary scene.

Goosebumps as Sam Docherty returns with a goal. Photo: Kayo, Fox Sports.

Carlton star Sam Docherty has stirred up a moment of powerful emotion at the MCG as he enjoyed a fairytale moment in his return to football.

The former Blues captain is making an inspirational comeback just seven months after his second shock cancer diagnosis.

Docherty was first diagnosed back in November 2020 but still managed 14 games for the Blues last season before a routine scan uncovered the unthinkable.

The 28-year-old stepped away from the game last August to begin 12 weeks of chemotherapy, describing his second cancer diagnosis as a “curveball”.

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In Carlton’s season-opener against the Tigers on Thursday, the MCG erupted in the second quarter when Docherty kicked a goal and triggered an extraordinary scene as Blues players ran in from everywhere to congratulate him.

Goosebumps as Sam Docherty returns with a goal. Photo: Kayo, Fox Sports.

His set-shot from 30m right in front came on the back of a 50m free-kick paid against Richmond for failing to stand on the mark correctly.

When his kick sailed straight down the middle, the MCG was a wall of applause.

Footy commentators described it as a “goosebumps” moment.

Fox Footy’s Saraj Jones said it was “spine-tingling”.

Footy moments don't get any better than this!

Welcome back, Sam Docherty. A moment all fans can get behind.#AFLBluesTigerspic.twitter.com/MVJmeLPg1O

— CODE AFL (@codeaflau) March 17, 2022

Fox Footy analyst David King said: “Sometimes this game makes you want to cry. The players you invest in – particularly Sam Docherty, It’s just fantastic”.

Aussie wheelchair tennis champion Dylan Alcott was also inspired.

Goosebumps as Sam Docherty returns with a goal. Photo: Kayo, Fox Sports.

“Sam Docherty. That gave me goosebumps. So bloody proud of you my brother,” he wrote on Twitter.

Docherty was given a standing ovation ahead of the game when he ran onto the field before his team’s warm up.

Blues coach Michael Voss said Docherty’s selection in the team this week was a huge boost to the playing group.

“It really is incredible,” Voss said.

“At the time (I met him), he’d lost a heap of weight. To sort of see his steady progression was quite amazing.

“It wasn’t all smooth sailing… but he’s persisted.

“It wouldn’t seem right not launching this without him.

“I know the boys will really love walking out there with him.”