Retiring star Sam Docherty ‘put on a poster' in huge Calsher Dear grab
Docherty had tears flowing across the footy world earlier this week as the man who beat cancer twice announced Thursday night's clash with Hawthorn would be his 184th and last for the Blues.
The 31-year-old was a huge part of the pre-game build-up on Fox Footy and was mentioned on the Carlton banner alongside Jacob Weitering in his 200th game.
But once the game got underway, 19-year-old Dear did all he could to steal the show.
The rangy 195cm youngster, pick 56 in the 2023 draft who is the son of Norm Smith medallist and premiership winner Paul Dear, was playing just his 21st game for the Hawks.
Watch Calsher Dear's mark in the video player above
With 30 seconds remaining in a dominant first quarter for Hawthorn, Dear put his stamp on the contest – and his legs on poor Docherty's shoulders – in a sensational grab in the goalsquare.
Another veteran in Jack Gunston had a shot on goal from right on the 50m arc fall short and Dear read it best, soaring through the air to take the mark at full stretch as the commentators lost their minds.
'Gunston from on 50. Right to the top of goal, oh Calsher Dear!' Mark Howard said on Fox Footy.
'A young man with a big fly!'
Jack Riewoldt added: 'Ah, that was a hanger. That was huge.'
From the sideline, Brad Johnson referenced the commentary from Alex Jesaulenko's famous mark when he said: 'You beauty guys. How good was that?'
Dear had a strong rookie campaign last season, making 17 appearances for the Hawks and kicking 25 goals, picking up a Rising Star nomination along the way.
He was featuring in just his fourth game of 2025 against the Blues, missing the first four months of the season due to a back issue.
The club has carefully managed the young forward, who had an extended stint in the VFL and is now playing his third straight AFL game as the finals loom.
He took the term 'rising star' to a whole new level on Thursday night and David King was glowing about the youngster's future as the Hawks took a five-goal lead into halftime.
'He's the wildcard,' King said. 'He's the one, I mentioned in the pre-game I just think he's got a big game in him.
'Whether it's tonight or the next couple of weeks, it's been two weeks back in this line-up, he's kicked 5.2 coming into tonight and he just looks lively.
'This is a big hang. A big hang.'
Riewoldt then spared a thought for Docherty, who was the unfortunate step ladder to help Dear pull off the superb mark.
'Sam Docherty, in his last game, has been put on a poster by Calsher Dear in what, game 21,' the Richmond great said.
'It's a weird and wonderful game footy.'
Dear's name was quickly trending on social media, with many commenting on the mark.
The official AFL account tweeted a video with the caption: 'Calsher Dear said it was time to fly.'
An account called @whinacooperrr wrote: 'Just give Calsher Dear (mark of the year) now omfg.'
Fox Footy said: 'Calsher Dear with a HUGE HANG ... on the retiring Sam Docherty.'
7AFL wrote in all caps: 'Calsher Dear might never come down.'
Leo Barry got a reference when @dazzb65 tweeted: 'Calsher Dear. You Star.'
A Hawthorn fan quipped: 'How's the weather up there Calsher Dear?? WOW.'
X account Americans Watching The Footy was feeling for the retiring Carlton star, writing: ''See, that's why I'm retiring' – Sam Docherty.'
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