A COMEBACK story.
Sam Docherty’s journey has been well documented, with his 2021/22 pre-season taking a back seat in his fight against a second cancer occurrence.
His 2022 campaign was an emphatic answer to the questions surrounding whether or not he could ever get back to the previous form he has displayed in the Navy Blue.
Docherty went on to play all 22 games for the Blues, consistently being one of their best handful in a year where he's well-placed to add to his 2016 John Nicholls Medal.
Kicking off the season with a bang, Docherty slotted a goal in Round 1 against Richmond that brought the MCG to its feet, providing what went down as one of the most emotional moments of the season from both a Carlton and AFL perspective.
Largely stationed in his familiar role across half back, Docherty was an offensive weapon for the Blues, averaging over 500 metres gained per game while ranking third in total kicks across the competition.
Averaging 28 disposals a game, Docherty’s ball-winning skills didn't go anywhere in his final two games of the season where he moved into the midfield, starring in matches against top-four teams Melbourne and Collingwood.
Docherty polled nine Brownlow votes last Sunday night, including his first ever three-vote game in Round 13 against Essendon, where he amassed 33 disposals, nine marks seven rebound 50s and four tackles in a complete showing against the arch rival.
Six years after his first best-and-fairest triumph, Docherty is sure to be right up there among the votes this Friday night when the 2022 John Nicholls Medal is awarded.
