The Carlton Football Club is providing its full support to co-captain Sam Docherty who will undergo chemotherapy after a routine medical check-up revealed a secondary cancer occurrence to the testicular cancer that he was diagnosed with last November.

Docherty will now undergo 12 weeks of chemotherapy. He is expected to make a full recovery and is looking forward to returning for pre-season training.

“It’s obviously not the news we wanted to hear but the support I have from everyone around me in my family, friends and the footy club will get me through this next challenge,” Docherty said.

“I am very fortunate this secondary diagnosis was detected early as part of a routine check-up. We now have a clear plan in place to get through this.

“I really want to get the message out there of how important it is to be mindful of your health. If you feel something isn’t quite right, please, get checked and make sure you look after yourself.”

Carlton Head of Football Brad Lloyd said the Club was offering all the support possible to Docherty.

“We will do everything we possibly can as a footy club to help Sam and his family through this,” Lloyd said.

“Right now, Sam’s health is the number one priority and he will be given all the support he needs as he undergoes the necessary treatment to allow him to recover fully.

“Sam is an incredibly resilient person, a strong character and the entire Carlton family is behind him every step of the way.”