Carlton co-captain Sam Docherty is set for another year on the sidelines following confirmation from the club that he has done his ACL for a second time after an innocuous incident at pre-season training.
The Blues tweeted the following:
“The Club can confirm co-captain Sam Docherty has ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament during a training session on Monday morning.”
It’s a devastating blow after Docherty missed the entire 2018 season, having suffered the same injury at pre-season training 12 months ago.
Docherty’s injury is to the same knee that he injured previously.
He hasn’t played since the final round of the 2017 season and will be looking at Round 1, 2020 as probably the earliest possible return date.
Docherty’s absence last year, combined with the departure via trade to Adelaide of Bryce Gibbs, was one of the key factors in Carlton’s two-win season, their worst in a lengthy club history.
Docherty has played 79 games for Carlton since joining the club in the 2013 AFL trade period, one of the famous ‘go home five’ who departed Brisbane that offseason.
He played only 13 games for the Lions after originally being taken by them at pick 12 in the 2011 AFL draft.
He enjoyed a breakout season in 2016 which saw him average 25 disposals and five rebound 50s per game off the halfback flank, winning Carlton’s best-and-fairest award.
He went even better in 2017 with his first All-Australian season recording just short of 21 kicks and more than nine marks per game.
David C
Guest
Pickett reportedly has gone down as well. Carlton's season off to a rocky start.
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
Scharenberg's three ACL's were also innocuous and I worry for him that these will keep on happening.
Adam
Guest
Not all Adelaide fans. I feel for any player that does their knee. To do it twice sucks even more. As for the cheat comment, what are you on about ?
PeteB
Guest
Two innocuous training incidents in two years causing acl injuries. Not a good sign for the future ????.
The Ghost
Guest
That's typical of Adelaide fans. They are such an entitled bunch. They still haven't come to terms that they lost the 2017 grand final. Cheats never prosper. I'm sorry to hear this bad news. I wouldn't listen to anything Adelaide fans have to say. Fans of all other clubs are upset by the news. That being said: Eat 'em alive Tigers!
true blue
Guest
My thoughts exactly Macca. Absolutely gutted.
Professor X
Guest
Very sad. Feel sorry for the guy. Hopefully he can get some really good specialist treatment.
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
Matty Scharenberg back on the field running again after his third knee reconstruction Col, the latest just when his career was getting going and he was playing good footy. He was back in the gym lifting weights a few weeks after his last operation. Sam seems as professional and committed as Shaz and will be back but it's still the worst thing when it happens for us supporters let alone for the fellas themselves. They must wonder why some players barely miss a game in their careers and others just can't take a trick.
Col from Brissie
Roar Guru
It’s great to see opposition supporters comment with genuine sympathy towards a player who suffers a serious injury that will keep him out of the game for another 12 months. Then you have a couple of Adelaide supporters who can only comment on how they think their club will benefit. As pathetic as one can get.
Aransan
Roar Rookie
Brendon Goddard would be a good pick up for Carlton, the team he followed as a kid. The only reason he wasn't given another contract by Essendon was that they had a number of up and coming players who could replace him -- Aaron Francis was only one of several such players. Goddard is widely respected by former teammates at St Kilda and Essendon. So sad about Docherty, I always think about the three knee reconstructions that Neil Daniher went through.
Cat
Roar Guru
Just hope he isn't the next Menzel, Morrabito or Alex Johnson.
Birdman
Roar Rookie
Huge blow for the guy and the CFC. The very worst aspect of this great game.
Pedro The Fisherman
Roar Rookie
Probably use it in a trade for Rankine and/or Lukoscius.
Alicesprings
Guest
I wonder who Adelaide are going to get with the first pick in the draft next year.
Mic
Guest
This is terrible news for CFC and more so, for Doc himself. I was starting to get excited about what Carlton could bring to the table next year, with a fit Doc and all the new recruits. It always amazes me how some can play 400 games with hardly an injury, while others can’t get on the park because of it. Just sh*t luck I suppose. Good luck with the rehab Doc. It’s a shame all Carlton fans have to wait another year.
Zed16
Guest
Really not what i wanted to read and i feel terrible for Doc firstly and his team mates. Was looking forward to him in the team guiding the back line and the broader team. Doc stick at it and look forward to seeing you back on the field.
Macca
Roar Rookie
It would be pretty flat at the club I would imagine - needs the coaches and leadership group to really get around the boys and get them refocused.
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
Just the most awful horrible news prior to Xmas. Reminiscent of Matty Scharenberg. So sorry for him and all Blues fans. Damn I wish medical science was doing a better job on knees, they are the scourge of our competition.
User
Roar Rookie
Damn, sorry to read this.
Kane
Roar Rookie
Absolutely terrible news for Doc, no doubt he will attack his rehab like his last one. No doubt the playing group will be flat as buggery but it might also bring them closer together. Did the rule come in this year where club's can replace an injured player from outside the club? If so, we'd have to bring in a ready to go midfielder like a Grigg or a Gibbons.