Sam Docherty: Footy star who beat cancer twice reveals how a new health battle has left him shattered: 'I'm in the pit right now'

Carlton fan favourite Sam Docherty has endured more setbacks than just about any footy star you can think of - but the defender has revealed his latest health battle has left him 'in the pit.'

Docherty, 30, has beaten cancer twice and is currently recovering following his third knee reconstruction in March.

Even rival footy supporters were shattered for the Blues defender, who admitted at times he has adopted a 'why me' mentality, especially with coach Michael Voss' men being a genuine premiership contender this season.

When he ruptured his ACL against Brisbane, Docherty didn't initially fear the worst.

Confident he had only damaged his meniscus, the veteran defender played through the pain.

A subsequent scan soon revealed Docherty's worst fears after he started to worry when his doctor didn't get back to him immediately.

'He's usually hot on the reply, he [doctor] didn't reply for five or six minutes,' Docherty told The Age.

'By the time I found out, I was already at the stage where I almost conceded I was in trouble.'

Telling his loved ones about another long-term injury setback was tough - and with Carlton in ominous form seven rounds in, Docherty knows he may have to watch on at the MCG come grand final day in September.

'I'm still in the pit right now,' Docherty said. 

'It takes time to be able to see what it means in your life.'

Docherty was diagnosed with stage two testicular cancer back in November 2020 and underwent surgery, before returning to the field the following season. 

But in August 2021 he revealed he would have to undergo another round of chemotherapy after his cancer had spread to his lymph nodes, lungs and stomach.

'It’s 18 hours a day sitting in a hospital by yourself, feeling too sick to look at your phone or watch TV,' he said at the time.

Following a 12-week chemotherapy treatment, he made a fairytale return and kicked a goal in Carlton's opening round win against Richmond in 2022.

The dual cancer survivor has turned his attention to the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, which helped him fight through his battle in 2021. 

Fans are being encouraged to be in their seats by 7.35pm ahead of Friday's blockbuster clash versus Collingwood at the 'G to soak in a moving pre-game tribute. 

Carlton players will also wear purple laces – the centre's signature colour - against the Magpies, who are starting to click into gear following a stuttering start to their premiership defence.