“I can't wait to put the jumper on, it's a dream come true" – that’s what Sam Docherty said when he was traded to Carlton as a 20-year-old in 2013.
Now, three years later, the boy who grew up barracking for Carlton is about to play his 50th AFL game in the iconic navy blue guernsey.
“Playing for the jumper has meant a lot more than I ever thought it would,” Docherty told Carlton Media on Friday.
“I think any AFL player is lucky to play AFL footy so you cherish whatever club you play for – I just happen to be lucky enough to play at the one I supported as a kid.”
Docherty’s AFL career began in Queensland after being selected by Brisbane with pick 12 in the 2011 national draft. He spent two years at the Lions before being traded to Carlton in 2013.
Since arriving at Ikon Park, Docherty says there have been a number of coaches and colleagues who have helped develop his game, allowing him to play more “attacking and exciting football”.
“All my coaches have been great, Johnny Barker last year really got me back to playing attacking footy and then Dale (Amos) has continued that this year,” he said.
“I’ve also followed a lot of Simmo’s (Kade Simpson) stuff throughout his career and I’ve probably watched a fair bit of Corey Enright and the way he goes about it.”
Round 8, 2014: Sam Docherty celebrates his first win as a Blue. (Photo: AFL Media)
After a breakout season in 2015, which saw the defender finish sixth in the Club’s best and fairest, Docherty was voted into this year’s leadership group by his teammates – an area he wants to develop.
“Leadership is something you can never get to the pinnacle of, so you’ve just got to keep developing and improving as a leader and that’s what I’m trying to do this year,” he said.
The match this weekend against Sydney also marks Zach Tuohy’s 100th game, and while Docherty believes “50 games is a good little milestone” he says he’s crossing his fingers he will also reach some of the bigger ones too.
