AFL Senior Coach Michael Voss has confirmed that Sam Docherty will feature in Carlton’s Round 1 clash with Richmond. 

It marks an emotional return for Docherty, who has ticked every box following the announcement in August last year that he had been diagnosed with testicular cancer for a second time. 

Speaking on AFL360 on Monday night, Voss said that Docherty’s comeback was a boost for everyone involved with inspirational defender.

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Voss announces Docherty's return (AFL360)

AFL Senior Coach Michael Voss joined the AFL360 panel in the lead-up to the Round 1 match this Thursday night. Vision courtesy of FOX Footy.

“It’s an incredible story,” Voss said.

“One of the first things that I did when I was appointed was go around and visit ‘Doc’. He was in treatment at that time.

“We sat on the park bench and talked about life, where he was at and what he wanted to do. He said ‘I want to play Round 1’.

“I couldn’t believe he was actually thinking about that. I was thinking it’d be remarkable if he could do that, yet here he is.

“It just seems right. It wouldn’t seem right starting this journey without him: it’s all him.”