Carlton star Sam Docherty has formed a heartwarming bond with a young cancer patient for one very special reason: he fought and won.
As the 29-year-old prepares to play in his 150th AFL game, the attributes that make him so universally loved and respected throughout the footballing world became apparent during the club’s journey to Perth to take on the Eagles.
Docherty reunited with young Blues fan Noah, 4, who is currently battling leukemia ahead of the club’s 108-point demolition across West Coast on Saturday, with the All Australian defender the youngster’s ‘inspiration’.
That’s mostly because Docherty has beaten testicular cancer twice, had a benign tumor removed this offseason and survived a recurrence when the cancer spread to his lymph nodes, lungs and stomach.
Throughout his battle, the Blues defender has maintained his zest for life and passion for making a difference to young children going through their own battle with the deadly disease.
Carlton skipper Patrick Cripps (left) with young cancer patient Noah and Sam Docherty (right) with Noah’s brother Cruz ahead of the side’s victory over West Coast
Pictured with his wife Natalie, Docherty has twice battled and beaten testicular cancer and is an inspiration to many children facing cancer – including Noah
Docherty bonded with Noah when he ran off with the team in last year’s game against West Coast; although sadly the youngster couldn’t keep watching the whole match as he was still undergoing chemotherapy.
This time, he was able to run through the banner with his beloved side alongside older brother Cruz and continue to watch as the side crushed the Eagles in a stunning defeat.
Noah’s mom Prue Willis-George explained why Noah is so “inspired” by his friendship with Docherty and has a crush on Carlton – and it all started with a teddy bear.
“You are (Docherty was an inspiration to Noah, a big inspiration, and just everything he thought about when he was at his chemo (chemotherapy appointments),)” she said in a heartwarming video post on Carlton’s social media.
“He just loves watching Carlton, he loves watching you run around and you inspire us all.”
“He wasn’t much into football, but we happened to be at my parents’ house shortly after he started his treatment, and he found a little Carlton teddy bear that was exceptionally old – it belonged to my dad, he was born in Carlton so he’s a huge Carlton fan.
“From then on he started watching football and watching Carlton and we sort of explained to him that there was another player who had also dealt with cancer and he decided that was going to be Sam’s teddy bear.
“He fell in love with football after that and it really helped him have something to watch and something to do when he couldn’t do much in the past year.”
Noah’s mom Prue revealed her son’s love for Carlton and footy in general all started with an old teddy bear
Noah has been through some tough times in the hospital while battling leukemia
Docherty said one of his favorite parts of the trip up the Nullarbor from Melbourne is the chance to see Noah again and do what he can to put a smile on his face.
“Part of coming to Perth that I really enjoy is being able to spend some time and see him (Noah),” he said.
“He looks very healthy, which is great.
“I know he’s on medication right now, which helps his energy and he was crazy about training yesterday; it’s great to see.
“One of the great things about footy is you can see the smiles you put on people’s faces, and I’m lucky enough to be able to inspire people who are going through some pretty tough times, and he’s definitely one I watch closely in keep an eye out.
“These are some of the cool moments you get in footy, and you probably start to appreciate them a little more as you get a little older.”
Docherty, pictured during the squad’s beating of the Eagles, said one of the “cool” aspects of footy is the impact it can make on the lives of young children
Willis-George told her it was incredible to see the power of football and what it can do to a child who has gone through some very difficult times while battling cancer.
She was full of praise for Docherty, Captain Patrick Cripps and the entire club for supporting not only Noah, but also brother Cruz and putting a smile on their faces.
‘For me it’s seeing him ecstatically happy; he’s a lucky boy and he’s maintained that throughout his treatment but i’ve seen him in some really bad positions in the hospital and seen him have experiences like this…that’s what he remembers and to me it’s heartwarming that he doesn’t really remember all those bad times,” Willis-George said.
His older brother Cruz has always been by his side, something their mother is very grateful for.
“To be invited back this year, it’s a dream and for them to get Cruz involved as well is great because, you know, he’s been the best big brother, the best support Noah could have, and he’s made life much easier. for me and also for my husband.
“Soon we’ll get to the other side… it’s been a bit of a whirlwind.”
Docherty gives Noah a big hug, with the youngster a guest at the squad’s training session ahead of their victory over the Eagles
Docherty (right) and Kangaroos star Ben Cunnington pose with a sick child at Melbourne’s Royal Children’s Hospital as both clubs try to raise money and awareness with their annual Good Friday clash
The level-headed Docherty is clearly passionate about working with children in the hospital and knows all too well how difficult it can be.
He appeared at Melbourne’s Royal Children’s Hospital over Easter with Carlton teammates and fellow cancer survivor Ben Cunnington, a Kangaroos veteran, and said it just hit different now that he’s a father.
“I think going to the Royal Children’s is one of the harder things to do, more from your own personal bias… Having a child of your own now puts an extra layer on it,” he said at the time.
“Essentially, you’re putting a smile on their kid’s face, but a living memory that they’ll take home and anywhere that brings joy to their whole family.”
Docherty will play his 150th AFL game this Friday night, when the Blues take on the in-form Lions.