Carlton had little idea it was about to be dealt a savage injury blow when leaving the Gabba late on Friday night after an epic win over the Brisbane Lions.
In that clash, which featured a 46-point turnaround as the Blues won by a point, much-loved midfielder Sam Docherty was subbed off at half-time.
Docherty tried to push through a knee injury suffered earlier in the clash but was eventually taken off with what the Blues labelled a jarred knee at the main break.
It’s why fans were shocked to learn of a ruptured ACL for Docherty some 20 hours later.
Teammate and key forward Charlie Curnow – who helped turn the game in the third quarter – was devastated upon the diagnosis being revealed.
“It’s one of those ones… what do you say?” he said on SEN Breakfast.
“It’s a tough situation. How much can one bloke endure? And that’s just on an injury front.
“It just seems really unfair. I’m sending my best wishes to him and his family because I know the impact injuries can have on everyone around him and especially himself of course.
“I saw him after the game and it just didn’t seem like an ACL. It caught everyone by surprise. It’s shocking.”
Docherty has now ruptured his ACL three times. During the pandemic Docherty battled stage 2 testicular cancer and a subsequent relapse in 2021.
The 30-year-old remarkably fronted up for Round 1 the following season off a very limited pre-season, with his goal in that game against Richmond one of the most emotional moments of 2022.
He went on to finish runner-up in Carlton’s best and fairest that season.
The 30-year-old has played 168 games since debuting back in 2013. His injury adds to the woes already present at Ikon Park, with Docherty joining Sam Walsh (back), Jacob Weitering (calf), Jack Martin (knee) and more.
Jack Silvagni also ruptured his ACL in late January of this year.