Carlton's Sam Docherty is pushing towards an inspirational comeback in the Blues' AFL season-opener - just months after undergoing chemotherapy.
The 28-year-old's return in a VFL practice match on Thursday could not have gone much better, as he gathered a game-high 38 possessions in the Blues' defeat against the Casey Demons.
Docherty underwent chemotherapy treatment after a routine medical check-up in August revealed a recurrence of testicular cancer.
The one-time All-Australian playing in Carlton's traditional round one game against Richmond seemed like a serious long shot when Michael Voss arrived at Ikon Park as coach last October.
But Docherty is making an irresistible case to run out onto the MCG on March 17 in a Blues team full of confidence, after they defeated reigning premiers Melbourne in their final pre-season game.
"(Docherty's) progression has been quite sharp," Voss said.
"It's still about how he pulls up, but he showed some really good signs (in the VFL).
"The approach that Doc's taken...the first time I turned up (at Carlton) he was pretty determined that he was going to figure early in the season.
"He's done everything possible to put himself in that position, and there's probably been a few times it didn't look that was going to eventuate.
"He'll get another week of training under his belt and then we'll make some decisions about him from there."
Docherty's positive attitude to the cancer battle has galvanised a playing group determined to rebound from a sluggish 2021 campaign.
All Carlton players shaved their heads during the off-season as a fundraiser for the Peter Mac Cancer Foundation and in support of Docherty.
"He's been a very important person for us over a long period of time," Voss said.
Docherty could slot back into a defensive that now has Zac Williams and Mitch McGovern in it on a permanent basis.
The pair impressed against the Demons, particularly McGovern as a floating defender taking intercept marks with ease.
What would have pleased Voss and Carlton supporters the most was the depth they suddenly have in their midfield.
Off-season recruits Adam Cerra (Fremantle) and George Hewett (Sydney) have fitted in seamlessly, while captain Patrick Cripps could be set to return to his blistering All-Australian form of 2018 and 2019.
Cripps booted four goals and gathered 31 possessions, looking leaner and moving better than he has for the past two seasons.
