Carlton star Sam Docherty has suffered a his third ACL injury as well as a meniscus tear in a heartbreaking blow.
Docherty suffered the injury in a tackle in the first quarter of Carlton’s one-point win over Brisbane on Friday night, initially trying to play through the setback before being subbed out at half-time.
The Blues confirmed the worst possible news on Saturday, which rules him out of the remainder of the 2024 season.
“There is arguably no player in our competition who is more beloved than Sam Docherty,” Carlton footy boss Brad Lloyd said.
“Football becomes almost insignificant when you consider all Sam has endured and overcome over the last few years, 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 has previously suffered two ACL injuries —on his opposite left knee — as well as overcoming two bouts of testicular cancer.
It came on a night of injury carnage at the Gabba, with Keidean Coleman also suffering an ACL setback.
