15. SAM DOCHERTY

THE curtain has been drawn on an unprecedented 2020 season for the Navy Blues.

Trading Ikon Park for 10 different hotel hubs across Queensland, Western Australia and the Northern Territory, it’s been a year we won’t soon forget.

With the final siren having rung on the final game, it’s time to look at those who featured in five or more games for Carlton or made their AFL debuts in 2020.

Here’s the year that was for Carlton’s No.15, Sam Docherty.


GAMES

2020: 16
Career: 108

GOALS

2020: 0
Career: 14


KEY AFL STATISTICS (averages in brackets):

Disposals: 289 (25.4) Marks: 83 (4.6) Contested possessions: 83 (8.5) Tackles: 19 (3.4) Metres gained: 5966 (372.9) Score involvements: 46 (2.9)


OVERVIEW

It was the return to AFL football that Sam Docherty had been waiting for.

After two years out of the game due to injury, Docherty once again graced the Carlton backline in 2020 and made an instant impact.

Docherty was pivotal leading the back half, running out as co-captain for his boyhood club for the first time, and provided his class and experience to a Blues side which has missed his impact in recent seasons.

Alongside Liam Jones, Jacob Weitering and Lachie Plowman, Docherty was a welcome addition to a strong, stable defensive group in a tumultuous year.

BEST PERFORMANCE

Docherty’s best game clearly came against arch rival Essendon in Round 4.

The skipper racked up 32 disposals, 10 contested disposals, eight marks and eight rebound 50s, proving a constant thorn in Essendon’s side.

In the one-point victory, Docherty’s ability to take on the game, read the play and call the shots made a world of difference to Carlton’s defensive game.


SEASON HIGHLIGHT

The Round 1 clash against Richmond marked the first game in two years for Sam Docherty.

Doubling up as his first time as co-captain, it was a sight for sore Blue eyes to see Docherty back in action and picking up from where he left off in his All-Australian season of 2017.

Docherty produced 584 metres gained (a season-high for the skipper) to go with his 26 disposals and nine rebound 50s in an all-round classy performance.

It was like he never left.

THEY SAID IT

Ahead of his 100th game, Docherty spoke about his love for the Club and how proud he is to be able to lead his teammates out each week.

“Obviously it was a long time off and probably the toughest thing has just been getting my touch back in-game,” Docherty said.

“I feel like I’ve come back and performed my role in the team. As every AFL player is, you’re always looking for that extra bit.

“I’ve learnt a lot more about my mental health and my teammates. Being able to come back as a leader of the Club and being able to read the group and help the group as much as I can.”