Sam Docherty and wife go public with massive personal news amid Carlton hero's epic return
Hours after it was announced Docherty would be making his injury return, he and his wife revealed their second child is on the way.
Carlton utility Sam Docherty has announced that he and his wife Natalie are expecting their second child just hours after it was revealed that he would make his return from injury in this weekend's AFL elimination final against Brisbane. Docherty had to undergo a third knee reconstruction earlier this year after suffering the third anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear of his career.
And now just six months on, Docherty is preparing to return to the field for the Blues' must-win clash with the Lions on Saturday. The 30-year-old will incredibly play just six months after being injured against the same opponent at the Gabba.
But that development was trumped by the heartwarming news that he and Natalie's second child is on the way. With Natalie's baby bump on show and their first child Ruby holding a picture of the ultrasound, the couple revealed that their family will soon become four in a joint post on Instagram: "We cannot wait to meet you little one," the caption read.
Docherty has battled testicular cancer twice in an AFL journey full of highs and lows. His challenges has seen him earn him respect of almost everyone in the industry.
And after revealing the great news, fans and friends of the family flooded the comments with supportive comments. "Omg!!!! Can today get any better for you guys, congratulations so happy," one fan wrote. While another commented: "What a day of amazing news!! so happy for the both of you".
Sam Docherty named to return for AFL elimination final
The Blues only just scraped into the finals after losing six of their last eight games and having to rely on Port Adelaide to beat Fremantle in the final round to secure finals footy in 2024. The return of Docherty couldn't come at a better time for Carlton. Docherty's AFL return is one of the quickest in the league's history. AFL players tend to take up to 12 months to recover from ACL injuries but Docherty has made it back in just 183 days.
Collingwood forward Daniel McStay returned in round 19 this year, 234 days after he ruptured his ACL at training. While Western Bulldogs great Tony Liberatore holds the record for the fastest successful comeback, going down in round five in 1998 and playing again by round 21 in the same season.
Carlton are both relieved and excited to have their veteran back on deck. "He's put a lot of time and effort into getting back, and once you set your mind to something - he's the motivated type to get it done," Carlton vice-captain Jacob Weitering said on Tuesday.
"The boys were stoked and I'm sure he'll do a job for us this weekend. Sam, I would have said he's a chance (to play again this season back in June), but maybe if you said anyone else it's probably a long shot.
"It just says a lot about him as a person ... his commitment to the team and our mission and the higher purpose of ultimately winning a premiership. He knows he probably hasn't got a whole lot longer left in the system and he's certainly pushing to do that for us."
The Blues will also be boosted by the returns of Harry McKay and Charlie Curnow to give them some much-needed threat up top as they look to knock out last year's runners-up. Defender Mitch McGovern (hamstring), utility Zac Williams (hamstring), ruckman Tom de Koning (foot) and midfielder Adam Cerra (hamstring) are also a chance to play this weekend.
AFL week one finals schedule:
Second qualifying final: Port Adelaide v Geelong - Thursday September 5, Adelaide Oval, 7.40pm
Second elimination final: Western Bulldogs v Hawthorn - Friday September 6, MCG, 7.40pm
First qualifying final: Sydney v GWS - Saturday September 7, SCG, 3.20pm
First elimination final: Brisbane Lions v Carlton - Saturday September 7, Gabba, 7.30pm
with AAP
