Hawks on Blues cruise to deny Docherty fairytale finish

Shayne Hope | July 24, 2025

Hawthorn’s self-proclaimed “villains” have spoiled Sam Docherty’s farewell party, cruising to a 24-point win as the Carlton hero waved an emotional MCG goodbye.

Docherty kicked a goal and was given a touching send-off in front of 51,271 fans on Thursday night after announcing his retirement mid-week.

But there was no fairytale ending to the two-time cancer survivor’s remarkable career against the businesslike Hawks, who kicked eight of the first nine goals in their 13.7 (85) to 9.7 (61) victory.

A sixth win from seven outings strengthened Hawthorn’s grip on a top-eight spot and kept them firmly in top-four contention with a 13-6 record.

“They were playing for a bit … so we knew there would be a little bit of extra something about it and we were pleased we were able to respond early,” Hawks coach Sam Mitchell said.

“They wouldn’t go away, unfortunately, but we did what we had to do.

“We were cast in the role of the villain, so we embraced that.”

An inspirational figure, Docherty has twice beaten testicular cancer and endured three knee reconstructions, while winning a Carlton best-and-fairest award and All-Australian selection.

The 31-year-old entered the field of play for his 184th and last game with his family, and had 16 disposals between a wing and half-forward.

He was moved into attack after halftime and provided a highlight with a third-quarter goal, celebrating with a bow to the crowd.

Docherty was also used as a stepladder by Hawks forward Calsher Dear, who took a mark-of-the-year contender on his opponent’s shoulders.

Blues coach Michael Voss conceded it was a disappointing result in Docherty’s final appearance and vice-captain Jacob Weitering’s 200th game.

“We came in wanting to create a sort of pretty special memory off two players that we hold in the highest of regard,” Voss said.

“They’ve had huge impact on our football club … so we would’ve liked to have started better.

“The Hawks getting the jump and the scoreboard going that way, it just proved too hard to be able to fight back.

“While the rest of the game was somewhat a stalemate, the reality was the margin was too big to drag back.”

Mitch Lewis kicked his first goal in more than a year in Hawthorn’s hot start, helping them to a 25-0 lead before Corey Durdin got the Blues on the board.

It was brief respite for Carlton, who trailed 6.1 to 1.2 at quarter-time and were 42 points in arrears early in the third term.

Docherty briefly sparked Carlton late in the quarter, kicking one goal but missing the chance for another after he had caught James Sicily holding the ball.

But the Blues never got close enough to threaten a boilover.

Jack Gunston (three goals), Nick Watson, Dear and Lewis (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 after nursing a tight calf into the match.

Dylan Moore (27 touches), Jarman Impey (25) and Josh Ward (22) were all busy, with Sicily and Tom Barrass strong in defence.

Weitering worked tirelessly for Carlton opposed to Gunston, while George Hewett (25 disposals) and Zac Williams (18 touches, seven clearances) battled hard.

Amid intrigue around his playing future, Charlie Curnow kicked two goals from 10 disposals and McKay booted one late on return from a knee injury.