Hawks Silence the Farewell Cheers as Docherty Bows Out
What a night it was at the MCG. If you tuned in for sentiment, you got it. If you were there for football, you got that too. Thursday night’s clash between Hawthorn and Carlton was meant to be a celebration—one last dance for Sam Docherty. But while the emotions were high for the Blues, the Hawks came in with business to handle—and they handled it coldly and clinically.
The build-up was all about "Doc." After years of resilience, including two battles with cancer and multiple knee reconstructions, the Carlton defender was playing his 184th and final AFL game. The crowd of over 51,000 knew it. They came for a farewell, and he gave them one. There was a goal. There were tears. There was that bow to the crowd after splitting the big sticks in the third term. It was every bit as emotional as you’d expect from a player who has given absolutely everything to his club and the game.
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But footy doesn’t pause for sentiment. And Hawthorn certainly didn’t.
The Hawks came out firing, kicking eight of the first nine goals. It was a start that essentially put the game out of Carlton’s reach from the get-go. Their aggressive style, sharp ball movement, and relentless pressure crushed any hint of a fairytale ending. Will Day, back from a foot injury, looked comfortable with limited minutes, while Calsher Dear soared for what could be mark of the year—using none other than Docherty as a launchpad.
For Hawthorn, this 24-point win wasn’t just about spoiling a farewell. It was about keeping top-four hopes alive. They now sit at 13-6, and with six wins from their last seven, they’re humming at the right time of year. Dylan Moore (27 disposals), Jarman Impey (25), and Josh Ward (22) led the stats sheet, while their forward line continued to threaten with Dear, Gunston, and Mitch Lewis all hitting the scoreboard.
Carlton, meanwhile, had some positives—George Hewett worked hard with 25 disposals, and Jacob Weitering battled in his 200th game before a concussion test cut his night short. But ultimately, this was Hawthorn’s night in terms of football. As for emotion, that belonged to Docherty. And it was beautiful.
No fairytale ending, but a hero’s farewell nonetheless.
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