Sam Docherty is an Australian rules football player who currently plays for the Carlton Football Club in the Australian Football League (AFL).
Docherty has overcome significant health challenges, including testicular cancer, to become one of Carlton’s most respected and influential players both on and off the field.
You can follow Sam Docherty’s biography, career details, wife, net worth, contract, career stats, achievements, and more here.
Sam Docherty’s Biography
| Attribute | Details |
| Full name | Sam Docherty |
| Nickname | Doc |
| Birth date | October 17, 1993 |
| AFL Draft | 2011 National Draft, Pick 12 |
| Position | Defender/Midfielder |
| Current team | Carlton Football Club |
| Shirt number | 15 |
| Debut year | 2013 |
| Height | 187 cm (6’2″) |
| Weight | 84 kg (185 lbs) |
| Birthplace | Phillip Island, Victoria |
| Nationality | Australian |
| School | Newhaven College |
| Current net worth | $5 million |
| Relationship status | Married |
| Wife | Natalie Docherty |
| Instagram profile | @dochertysam |
Sam Docherty was born and raised on Phillip Island, Victoria. He grew up supporting the Carlton Football Club and learned the game through the Phillip Island Auskick program.
Docherty comes from a football-loving family. His father, Eddie, was a player and coach at the Phillip Island football club. Tragically, Eddie passed away suddenly from a heart attack at age 53 in 2013, just as Sam was beginning his AFL career with Carlton.
Early Career
Docherty’s pathway to professional football involved playing for the Gippsland Power in the TAC Cup (now known as the NAB League) in 2011. This is an elite under-18 competition in Victoria that serves as a primary pathway for young players to enter the AFL.
During his time with Gippsland Power, Docherty averaged 22 disposals per game and ranked second in the entire competition for marks from opposition kicks and rebound 50s.
Docherty’s efforts earned him selection in the 2011 TAC Cup Team of the Year, and he also won the Most Disciplined and Trainers Awards at the Gippsland Power’s end-of-season awards.
Professional Career
Sam Docherty was drafted by the Brisbane Lions with the 12th overall pick in the 2011 AFL National Draft.
He made his AFL debut for Brisbane in Round 4 of the 2013 season against North Melbourne. After playing 13 games for the Lions, Docherty was traded to his childhood club, Carlton Football Club, at the end of the 2013 season.
His breakout year came in 2016 when he won Carlton’s Best and Fairest award (the John Nicholls Medal) and was named in the 40-man squad for the All-Australian team. He followed this with an even stronger 2017 season, earning selection in the All-Australian team.
Docherty’s career faced significant challenges when he suffered two consecutive ACL injuries, causing him to miss the entire 2019 and 2020 seasons. Despite these setbacks, he remained an integral part of the team, serving as co-captain from 2019 to 2022.
In 2021, Docherty faced another hurdle when he was diagnosed with testicular cancer, but he overcame this challenge and returned to play in 2022.
In 2023, Docherty took on a new role, spending more time in the midfield while still contributing in defense. His leadership and community work were recognized when he won the 2023 Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award.
Wife
Sam Docherty is married to Natalie Docherty. The couple has been together since they were 14 years old.
In September 2024, Sam and Natalie shared exciting news with their fans, announcing that they were expecting their second child.
Sam Docherty’s Net Worth Details
Sam Docherty’s net worth is estimated to be $5 million as of 2025. This figure is based on his AFL salary, endorsements, and other business ventures.
Contract
Sam Docherty signed a new two-year contract extension with Carlton in March 2023, which will keep him at the club until at least the end of the 2025 season.
Career Stats
| Year | Games | Disposals | Marks | Tackles | Goals |
| 2013 | 13 | 165 | 44 | 27 | 2 |
| 2014 | 17 | 307 | 103 | 39 | 7 |
| 2015 | 19 | 399 | 114 | 51 | 3 |
| 2016 | 22 | 594 | 166 | 67 | 2 |
| 2017 | 22 | 678 | 191 | 74 | 2 |
| 2018 | 21 | 569 | 156 | 71 | 1 |
| 2019 | 0 | – | – | – | – |
| 2020 | 16 | – | – | – | – |
| 2021 | 14 | 338 | 97 | 36 | 0 |
| 2022 | 25 | 596 | 149 | 69 | 4 |
| 2023 | 24 | 560 | 137 | 64 | 2 |
| 2024 | 1 | 25 | – | – | – |
Achievements
- All-Australian team: 2017
- Carlton Best and Fairest (John Nicholls Medal): 2016
- Carlton co-captain: 2019-2022
- Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award: 2023
FAQs
What position does Sam Docherty play?
Docherty primarily plays as a defender and midfielder.
When was Sam Docherty drafted?
He was drafted in 2011 by the Brisbane Lions.
How many times has Sam Docherty been All-Australian?
Once, in 2017.
What is Sam Docherty’s jersey number?
He wears number 15 for Carlton.
Has Sam Docherty ever won Carlton’s best and fairest award?
Yes, he won the John Nicholls Medal in 2016.
What health challenges has Sam Docherty faced?
He has overcome two ACL injuries and testicular cancer.
How long has Sam Docherty been with Carlton?
Since 2013, when he was traded from Brisbane.
Is Sam Docherty married?
Yes, he is married to Natalie Docherty.
What community work is Sam Docherty known for?
He is known for his advocacy and fundraising for cancer research.
Has Sam Docherty ever been Carlton’s captain?
Yes, he served as co-captain from 2019 to 2022.
