Carlton fan favorite Sam Docherty has suffered more setbacks than any football star you can imagine, but the defender has revealed his latest health battle has left him “in the hole”.
Docherty, 30, has beaten cancer twice and is currently recovering after his third knee reconstruction in March.
Even rival football fans were gutted by the Blues defender, who admitted he has adopted a “why me” mentality at times, especially as coach Michael Voss’s men are a real contender for top spot this season.
When he tore his ACL against Brisbane, Docherty initially did not fear the worst.
Confident that he had only damaged his meniscus, the veteran defender played through the pain.
Carlton star Sam Docherty has endured more than most in his life, but the defender revealed his latest health battle left him “in the hole”.
Docherty, 30, has beaten cancer twice and is recovering after his third knee reconstruction in March (pictured with wife Natalie and daughter Ruby).
A subsequent scan soon revealed Docherty’s worst fears after he became worried when his doctor did not contact him immediately.
“He usually responds enthusiastically; he (the doctor) didn’t respond for five or six minutes,” Docherty said. Age.
“When I found out, I was already at the stage where I almost admitted I was in trouble.”
Telling loved ones about another long-term injury setback was difficult, and with Carlton in ominous form through seven rounds, Docherty knows he may have to watch at the MCG on the grand final day in September.
“I’m still in the hole,” Docherty said.
“It takes time to be able to see what it means in your life.”
Docherty was diagnosed with stage two testicular cancer in November 2020 and underwent surgery before returning to the field the following season.
But in August 2021 she revealed that she would have to undergo another round of chemotherapy after her cancer spread to her lymph nodes, lungs and stomach.
The Blues star (pictured with wife Natalie) made a fairytale return to the field in the first round of the 2022 season after beating cancer for the second time.
“It’s 18 hours a day sitting alone in a hospital, feeling too sick to look at your phone or watch TV,” he said at the time.
After a 12-week chemotherapy treatment, he made a fairytale comeback and scored a goal in Carlton’s first round win against Richmond in 2022.
The double cancer survivor has turned his attention to the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, which helped him fight his battle in 2021.
Fans are encouraged to be in their seats at 7.35pm ahead of Friday’s blockbuster clash against Collingwood at the ‘G for a touching pre-game tribute.
Carlton players will also wear purple laces, the centre’s signature colour, against the Magpies, who are starting to get going after a stuttering start to their premiership defence.
