THE opportunity to captain the Carlton Football Club in a home-and-away game was a major milestone for Sam Docherty.

The prospect of giving the game away after two straight knee injuries was never a consideration.

His dad Eddie was “a big reason for that”.

Writing in the Herald Sun, Docherty cited the influence of his father Eddie behind his love of the game and his desire to give everything to the Navy Blue.

“One of my big motivations has always been carrying my old man through my career with me,” Docherty said.

“Winning the Blues’ best and fairest and becoming a club captain has meant so much to me because it means my surname is etched in the Carlton history.

“That means his legacy is etched to it as well, and always will be.”

Docherty detailed his journey growing up in Phillip Island to Carlton co-captain, and having the decision between the Blues and Bombers in 2013 trade period.

Despite being born a Bluebagger, he said the decision was made with the best intentions of his career.

“I remember it coming down to Carlton or Essendon,” he said.

“I still feel I chose with my head and not my heart. Carlton was the right call for my footy and I have no regrets.”

Docherty also wrote about the Phillip Island Bulldogs football club, his comeback from two years out and his Carlton coaches at senior level.

The full feature can be read in the Sunday Herald Sun (3 May), or at this link for Herald Sun subscribers.