DEFENDER Jacob Weitering wasn’t particularly surprised when his captain Patrick Cripps announced that Sam Docherty would be returning to the fold for Saturday night’s elimination final.
In fact, Weitering admitted that if you'd asked him mid-year, there was only one person he believed could recover that quickly.
The team's reaction highlighted just how significant Docherty is, not only as a player but also as a person within the playing group.
“Once you set your mind to something, he’s the motivated type to get it done,” Weitering said.
“The boys were stoked and I’m sure he’ll do a job for us this weekend.”
With his Brisbane days far behind him, Docherty has been a cornerstone of Carlton for a decade, and his return to the team is sure to lift those around him.
Weitering said that Docherty is determined to give his all before his time in the system ends, viewing this as just another chapter in his journey.
“I think it says a lot about him as a person, his commitment to the team and our mission and the higher purpose of ultimately winning a premiership,” he said.
“He knows he probably hasn’t got a whole lot longer in the system and he’s pushing to do that for us.”
As a long-time defender, Weitering has spent plenty of time alongside Docherty in the backline, praising his elite leadership, skill and mentorship.
Weitering emphasised that having another leader on the field will be just as crucial as Docherty's impressive football IQ.
When breaking news is breaking, you've got to be on your toes 🤪
— Carlton FC (@CarltonFC) September 3, 2024
If you were looking for the rogue announcement video of Sam Docherty finding out the news he's playing this week, this is it 😂 pic.twitter.com/yvabGO389h
“He’s been at this Club since 2014, a couple of wooden spoons, he captained the Club through some really tough times. He’s been a mentor to me and multiple younger boys to get us through some troughs in our own careers,” he said.
"I’m just so glad for him as the person, for Nat and his little daughter to get back out there in a final against a very good side.”
With Docherty and a few other teammates returning from injury, the team that takes the field at the Gabba could look quite different from the one fielded in Round 24.
Weitering said the team that runs out there on Saturday night for another big game in Brisbane would be centred around the best fit to get the job done.
“We’re going to put the best team that we believe brings pressure and contest and that’s been our identity,” he said.
“The guys that do come in need to play their role and bring pressure, I’m sure they’ll do that.”
