Carlton coach ‘gutted’ after Sam Docherty’s third ACL: ‘He’s going to be missed’

Carlton coach ‘gutted’ after Sam Docherty’s third ACL: ‘He’s going to be missed’

Sam Docherty’s latest AFL injury setback has “gutted” Carlton coach Michael Voss and his teammates.

The Blues coach says they will miss one of their most popular players, who suffered a season-ending knee injury in Friday night’s outstanding comeback win over Brisbane at the Gabba.

It will necessitate a third knee reconstruction for Docherty, who has also recovered from two bouts of cancer.

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Carlton only discovered the extent of Docherty’s latest injury when they returned to Melbourne on Saturday.

“(We were) gutted for him. It certainly levelled me out pretty quick,” Voss said on Monday.

“He’s going to be missed, he’s a loved person to us.

“The other thing is we understand the real challenges he’s had in his life in most recent times.”

Voss said Docherty was taking his latest setback as well as could be expected.

Sam Docherty’s latest serious injury setback has devastated his coach and teammates. (James Ross/AAP PHOTOS) Credit: AAP

“Sam’s not looking for any sympathy at all; he’ll get on with it and be a real pro about his rehab,” the coach said.

“But he’s been a really important person to us and it won’t feel quite the same without him being there with us.”

The 30-year-old suffered the injury in a tackle during the first quarter, but played on until he was subbed out of the match at half-time.

Scans on Saturday confirmed the devastating blow to the much-loved veteran.

“There is arguably no player in our competition who is more beloved than Sam Docherty,” Carlton GM of football Brad Lloyd said.

“Football becomes almost insignificant when you consider all Sam has endured and overcome over the last few years, this news simply isn’t fair, but as Carlton people we love Sam dearly — we will support him through this so he can return to the field when he is ready.

“It won’t just be the entire Carlton family behind Sam, I can safely say the football world no doubt will be as well.

“His impact on our side will certainly be missed on the field, however his impact on his teammates and on the selfless environment we are creating will continue to be profound right throughout the club.

“Sam will throw his heart and soul into helping his teammates get the best out of themselves because that is just the person he is – and he knows we’ll be right alongside him through every step of his rehabilitation.”

Docherty will miss the entire 2024 season. Credit: Getty Images

It’s the third time Docherty has suffered an ACL injury after missing the entire 2018 and 2019 seasons.

Docherty has also overcome testicular cancer twice. He was first diagnosed in 2020, but was able to return to the field the following season after undergoing successful surgery.

He was hit with a second cancer diagnosis just nine months later, which lead to a 12-week chemotherapy course.

Docherty again recovered and has remarkably barely missed a game the past two years.

Brisbane also suffered a devastating blow with gun defender Keidean Coleman rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament as well.

Keidean Coleman had to be helped from the field in an opening-match injury blow for the Lions. Credit: AAP

Coleman was helped from the field at halftime on Friday at the Gabba after his left leg clashed with Carlton tackler Lachie Fogarty as he kicked.

Coleman was sent for scans on Saturday which confirmed the Lions’ worst fears of a season-ending injury.

“It’s really disappointing news for Keidean, especially in the first game after a strong pre-season and an impressive finals campaign last year,” Lions football manager Danny Daly said in a statement.

“However, Kiddy (Coleman) is only young and has a very bright future ahead of him with the Brisbane Lions, which we all look forward to.

“Kiddy is an extremely positive and calm person, so I am confident those traits will no doubt help him get through his recovery over the coming months.”

– AAP

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