Sam Docherty has been reunited with a popular former teammate for an emotional goodbye to footy at the MCG on Thursday night.
The Blues’ 9.7 (61) to 13.7 (85) loss to Hawthorn sounded the final siren on the ex-Carlton skipper’s AFL career following his retirement announcement earlier in the week.
Despite the result Docherty’s third-quarter goal proved a highlight before he was chaired off alongside Jacob Weitering, playing his 200th game, after the match.
Know the news with the 7NEWS app: Download today 
Blues great turned Hawthorn assistant coach Kade Simpson crossed the divide to carry Docherty alongside his other great mate Patrick Cripps.
“This is a pretty special moment,” Luke Hodge said in commentary for Channel 7.
Docherty followed the farewell by immediately running back out onto the ground to thank the Carlton cheer squad one last time.
He retires as one of the most admired players in the league after overcoming three ACL injuries and two bouts of testicular cancer.
“The finality of it — it’s quite jarring,” Nick Riewoldt said post-game as Carlton celebrated Docherty, surrounded by his wife, two children and their family, with a presentation in the rooms.
“That whole chapter of your life is over. In Sam’s case you walk away with really an unprecedented level of respect because of the challenges that he’s faced.
“Pretty special to be going home with your family to embark on that next chapter.”
It took some time for Carlton to show some fight for the No.15 in his final game, with the playing group clearly limping to the end of the season after a horror campaign.
The Blues had just one goal to their name and trailed by nearly 40 points early in the second quarter.
Hawthorn’s sixth win from seven outings strengthened their grip on a top-eight spot and kept them firmly in top-four contention with a 13-6 record.
Jack Gunston (three goals), Calsher Dear, Mitch Lewis and Nick Watson (two each) shared the load in attack for Hawthorn.
Will Day made a successful return from a foot injury with 15 disposals on limited minutes, and hauled in a spectacular mark over Lachie Fogarty.
Fellow Hawks midfielder Jai Newcombe was subbed out in the third term — described as “managed” by the club — after a second successive quiet performance.
Dylan Moore (27 touches), Jarman Impey (25) and Josh Ward (22) were all busy.
– with AAP
:quality(85):upscale()/2025/03/12/894/n/1922794/881212f467d1ee554d8f59.67910049_.png?w=390&resize=390,220&ssl=1 "The Most Comfortable Outdoor Furniture to Shop")
