Michael Voss' devastating admission after Sam Docherty suffers cruel blow in AFL

Carlton coach Michael Voss admits the injury news about Sam Docherty has rocked the Blues squad, with the luckless veteran suffering another season-ending knee injury. Docherty will have to undergo a third knee reconstruction after suffering the third anterior cruciate ligament tear of his career during Friday night's superb comeback win over Brisbane at the Gabba.

Docherty went down injured in a tackle during the first quarter of the Blues' dramatic last gasp, one-point win in the opening round of the AFL. He returned to play before being substituted in the second quarter, with Carlton only discovering the extent of Docherty's latest injury heartbreak when they returned to Melbourne on Saturday.

Carlton rocked by Sam Docherty injury news

The 30-year-old has also recovered from two bouts of cancer after undergoing two rounds of chemotherapy across 2020 and 2021 to treat testicular cancer. Voss told reporters on Monday that the latest setback for the 2017 All-Australian star has left the club devastated for the popular veteran.

"(We were) gutted for him. It certainly levelled me out pretty quick," Voss said. "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."

Docherty previously tore back-to-back ACLs - in his left knee - that wiped out his 2018 and 2019 season. Scans on Saturday confirmed a ruptured ACL and meniscus tear in Docherty's right knee, with Voss revealing that the 30-year-old is taking his latest brutal setback as well as can be expected.

"Sam's not looking for any sympathy at all - he'll get on with it and be a real pro about his rehab," the Blues 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."

Sam Docherty suffers fresh heartbreak

Docherty underwent chemotherapy for testicular cancer in 2020, then had a recurrence in 2021, which prematurely ended that season. The former Blues co-captain made an inspirational return in 2022 and played a key role in last season's run to the preliminary final.

"Football becomes almost insignificant when you consider all Sam has endured and overcome over the last few years," Carlton football boss Brad Lloyd said in a statement. "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 is contracted until the end of next season after signing a new deal last year, and has played 153 games for Carlton after joining the Blues from the Lions in 2014.

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Voss provided the update on Docherty to reporters at the MCG, where Carlton will look to make it two wins from two when they take on Richmond on Thursday night. A bumper crowd of about 90,000 is expected at the MCG for the clash between the arch-rivals.

with AAP

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