What It Takes

The inspirational memoir of the former Carlton Football Club captain who twice survived cancer, returning to the game braver and stronger after each recovery.

Sam Docherty was the heart of Carlton Football Club during his 171-game career. Born to a footy obsessed family on Phillip Island, Sam grew up with dreams of playing for his beloved Carlton, a dream that finally came true in 2012 after a short stint at Brisbane Lions.

Despite injuries blighting his start to the club, he soon became a star fixture for the Blues, becoming a John Nicholls Medallist in 2016, All-Australian in 2017 and appointed as co-captain of Carlton from 2019 to 2021. But off field, things weren’t always so easy.

In that time, he overcame testicular cancer twice, at one point returning to the field a mere five months after finishing chemotherapy. Refusing to let his illness define him, Docherty used his time on the sidelines to mentor and coach his teammates, always looking for a silver lining – and becoming an inspiration to the country in the process.

Full of never-before-told anecdotes from the MCG, this is a story of true heroism, grit, and the wisdom that comes when you’ve faced the worst.

About the Author

Sam Docherty was a leadership figure at Carlton from his arrival at the club in 2014 to his retirement in 2025. Playing 156 games in Navy Blue, Docherty has had a storied journey in the AFL, suffering three ACL injuries and two bouts of cancer that interrupted his career. After suffering an ACL injury in the Opening Round of 2024, Docherty was able to make a miraculous return to the Blues' side in time for the elimination final against Brisbane, completing his rehab in just six months.

In 2025, Docherty, wife Nat and big sister Ruby welcomed baby Myles to the family.