“IT’S A big mental milestone that you get along the way.”

Sam Docherty is just happy to start feeling like a footballer again.

Carlton supporters on social media responded in kind to the video posted on Tuesday night, which showcased Docherty’s first run on grass since the ACL injury sustained in Opening Round.

For Docherty, it’s another - although not insignificant - step in a long rehab process, which he’s regrettably been through a few times before.

Speaking to AFL360 on Tuesday night, Docherty said the chance to get back out on the grass - albeit fleetingly - was very much a step in the right direction.

“I started running on the Alter-G last week, but it was the first time touching the grass [on Monday]. It was nice to get outside.

“It was great. It’s one of the bigger milestones when you do your knee, to get back out there and run on grass and start to feel like a footballer again.

“I had a few of the rehab boys [there], Jack Silvagni was standing on the sidelines clapping me the whole way through.”

Having undergone surgery back in March, Docherty said the pain factor had largely subsided, as he continues to undergo his rehab process while staying involved with the day-to-day operations of the club.

He returned to the bench a month ago, assisting the coaches as an extra line of communication to the players.

“I don’t notice it anymore, I’ve got no pain other than after I do some running and weights.

“It’s been a long 10 weeks, but I’m feeling pretty good about where things are sitting . . . I’m having a good week this week.”

For a member-exclusive look at the photos from Docherty's first run, view below. You must be signed in to view.