Sam Docherty | 2021 Season Review
Written by Ari Stamatakos
SEASON SYNOPSIS
2020 was a relief for all Carlton fans. After being absent for 2 years with back-to-back knee reconstructions, we were just glad to see him get through the year, pretty much injury-free. The expectation was for him to get back to his best in 2021. Whilst the inclusion of Saad and Williams may have hampered his attacking side of the game, we all know the versatile player he is, so there was no fear about him filling multiple roles. He played all the way up to round 15, where he displayed all the signs of the All-Australian half-back, he was in 2017. But then injury struck, and he was ruled out for the remainder of the season. Then the bad news got even worse as he announced that his testicular cancer had reoccurred. This was heartbreaking news for a player who hasn’t caught a break in a long, long time. We all know how good he is, and this season was no different. He averaged 19.5 effective disposals, 14.1 effective kicks, 498 metres gained and 4.1 score involvements. All metrics displaying how damaging he is, and that he is such a weapon for the Blues.
BEST PERFORMANCE
While he had 31 disposals against the Dogs in round 8 and was very inspirational in the way he went about it. His overall best game this season was against the Lions in round 6. The Blues were coming off a poor loss to the Power and needed their leaders to step up. Whilst the Blues didn’t get the result, Doc stepped up like the leader he was and played very, very well.
He had 28 disposals, going at an astonishing 93% efficiency, 10 intercept possessions, 624 metres gained, 7 marks, 7 tackles and 5 rebound 50’s. This game showed all of Doc’s qualities in full. He provided run and dash, leadership, experience, and his tactical intelligence which allowed the Blues some form of attacking flair. He was very good defensively as well, keeping Lincon McCarthy to only 1 goal and 11 touches. He led the Blues on many metrics and would’ve been the catalyst for the Blues turning the game around, wasn’t it not from some ineptitude from others.
OFF-SEASON & 2021 OUTLOOK
The main, and only thing that should be on Doc mind in the offseason is to get healthy. After the tragic and horrible news which has come out, football should be the furthest thing from his - and everyone else - mind. When he does come back, he will be straight back into the side, no doubts. He is our leader in the defensive structure and is so good in multiple roles. He is very good one-on-one, fantastic as a spare man and is quite underrated as a wingman. We are a completely different team when he is in the side, and he is going to be a pillar for the Carlton football clubs in seasons to come. Get Well Soon Doc.
2021 REPORT CARD RATING
B
STATUS HEADING INTO 2022
Consistent 22.
