AFL 2025: Carlton champion Sam Docherty’s parting hope for superstar captain Patrick Cripps

Retiring Carlton champion Sam Docherty had one parting apology to a great mate and shared his favourite three games as a Blue in a touching final speech.

Carlton champion Sam Docherty will retire with a parting apology and hope for superstar Blues captain Patrick Cripps.

Docherty announced his retirement on Tuesday morning, drawing a curtain on one of footy’s most motivating careers.

He will play his 184th and final game this Thursday against Hawthorn at the MCG.

Docherty moved from Brisbane to Carlton ahead of the 2014 season just days before the Blues drafted their now dual Brownlow Medal champion out of Western Australia.

They arrived at Princes Park together and would eventually captain the club together in 2021.

In a brilliant retirement speech in front of family, friends and teammates, Docherty detailed a decade-long dream he and Cripps shared.

He apologised for calling time prematurely but hoped Cripps would carry on to live out their dream of premiership success.

“I have already made the big fella cry today but to ‘Crip’, a bit more prepared this time, mate,” Docherty said.

Docherty celebrates a goal during his inspirational comeback from cancer. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

“Thanks, mate, again. We’ve had a solid dream together for the last 10 to 12 years about where we wanted to take this footy club.

“I am sorry we don’t get that moment we’ve dreamed of, it’s something I have chased with you and wanted to have with you for my whole time I’ve been at the club.

“Hopefully you get what you deserved and you get the success you deserve across your career, mate.

“Thanks for guidance, friendship, love, support, all of that across my career, mate, I’ve needed it more than you’ll ever know.”

Docherty said three games have stood out across his career.

The milestone game of his good mate Kade Simpson, who will coach Hawthorn’s back six in Docherty’s last game, his first game back from his cancer battle and the final win over Melbourne in 2023.

“Three games that stick out to me the most,” he said.

Sam Docherty and Kade Simpson (R). (AAP Image/Michael Dodge)

“Simmo’s 250th, the emotion playing in that, he was my idol, still was when he was here and still is now, to be honest.

“Playing his milestone moment, having a big win, my return game from cancer and kicking the goal with everything behind that and what that meant to other people.

“Then the semi-final win over Melbourne, three games, to be honest most of the other memories … the fun of being in a footy club, the people you meet, the highs and lows of it all – it’s all just a big part of footy I have loved.”

Originally published as AFL 2025: Carlton champion Sam Docherty’s parting hope for superstar captain Patrick Cripps