Sam Docherty: Footy star who beat cancer twice reveals how a new health battle has left him shattered: ‘I’m in the pit right now’
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 ‘down in the dumps’.
Docherty, 30, has beaten cancer twice and is currently recovering from his third knee reconstruction in March.
Even rival footy supporters were devastated for the Blues defender, who admitted he has adopted a ‘why me’ mentality at times, especially with coach Michael Voss’ men a genuine premiership contender this season.
When he tore his cruciate ligament against Brisbane, Docherty initially did not fear the worst.
The veteran defender was convinced he had only damaged his meniscus and played through the pain.
Carlton star Sam Docherty has endured more than most in his life, but the defender revealed his latest health battle has left him ‘down in the dumps’
Docherty, 30, has beaten cancer twice and is recovering from his third knee reconstruction in March (pictured, with wife Natalie and daughter Ruby)
A subsequent scan quickly revealed Docherty’s worst fears after he began to worry when his doctor did not contact him immediately.
‘He’s usually enthusiastic about the answer, right? [doctor] I didn’t answer for five or six minutes,” Docherty said The age.
‘By the time I found out, I was already at the stage where I almost admitted I was in trouble.’
It was difficult to tell his loved ones about another setback from a long-term injury. And with Carlton in ominous form after seven rounds, Docherty knows he may have to watch at the MCG on grand final day in September.
“I’m still down in the dumps right now,” Docherty said.
“It takes time 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, he revealed he would have to undergo another round of chemotherapy after his cancer spread to his lymph nodes, lungs and stomach.
The Blues star (pictured with wife Natalie) made a fairytale return to the pitch in the opening round of the 2022 season after beating cancer for a second time
“It’s sitting alone in a hospital for 18 hours a day and feeling too sick to look at your phone or watch TV,” he said at the time.
After 12 weeks of chemotherapy treatment, he made a fairytale return, scoring a goal in Carlton’s opening round win against Richmond in 2022.
The double cancer survivor has turned his attention to the Peter MacCallum Cancer Center, which helped him get through 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 to enjoy a moving pre-game tribute.
Carlton players will also wear purple laces – the center’s signature color – against the Magpies, who are starting to click into gear after a stuttering start to their premiership defense.