Latest news with #Docherty
The Herald Scotland
2 days ago
- Sport
- The Herald Scotland
Steven Pressley is preaching patience at Dundee – will he get it?
Unfortunately the rest of last season didn't go according to plan. Docherty ultimately lost his job for his team sliding backwards to tenth place, but while he deserves sympathy for the Luke McCowan sale to Celtic and some severe injury trouble along his backline – Clark Robertson, Joe Shaughnessy and Ziyad Larkeche all missed significant chunks of the season – there were a few issues which meant that, when Dundee did pull the trigger on firing their head coach, not everyone of a dark blue persuasion in the City of Discovery was entirely surprised. Even with injuries, there was still little excuse for the team shipping 145 goals in 76 league games across two seasons (an average of 1.9 per game), while many fans were getting fed up with his infatuation with the three-at-the-back formation, something which they felt contributed to their inability to keep the opposition score down. Sacking Docherty wasn't necessarily the wrong decision, at least not in isolation. But as is always the case, if you're going to make such a decisive call at the managerial level, you'd better get the next one right. Steven Pressley was not a popular appointment as Docherty's successor. Not only is he a former Dundee United player, he hadn't managed a team in six years prior to his appointment and lasted less than 12 months at each of his last three stops. But even the most trepidatious of fans wouldn't have expected the nightmare that has so far unfolded. Consecutive 1-0 defeats to Airdrieonians and Alloa Athletic had them out of the Premier Sports Cup before they'd even got going, while they were five minutes from drawing with Lowland League Bonnyrigg Rose. On the face of it, a 2-1 home defeat to Hibs in the Premiership home opener wasn't an awful scoreline. Since going down 4-1 at Dens last November, David Gray's side have only lost at Celtic Park (thrice) and Pittodrie (once) in domestic football. However, it was the manner in which the defeat occurred which rankled with home fans. Dundee allowed Hibs to have 68 per cent possession, mustered only two shots on goal and were fortunate not to lose by a greater margin. This was a Hibs team who played 120 gruelling minutes against Midtjylland three days prior, where they had their heart ripped out and showed to them in the dying seconds of extra-time. Yet instead of getting in their face and testing their mental (and physical) resolve, Pressley's men spent the entire game backing off, allowing Hibs to get comfortable with their surroundings and dominate the game. In last week's column I boldly predicted that Falkirk would finish bottom of the Premiership. Having watched both teams at the weekend, I now wonder whether I didn't fully appreciate the extent of the mess Dundee are in. Curious tactics aside, the team certainly appeared weaker than the spirited Falkirk squad that twice came back to draw with Dundee United. Ethan Ingram and Imari Samuels starting at the wing-back positions was a huge red flag, considering neither appeared to be the required quality at this level last term. In between them was a centre-back trio that contained Robertson and Ryan Astley, who failed to impress in 2024/25, while the early signs weren't great for new strike-partnership Emile Acquah and Ashley Hay. There's been a stark contrast in how the two Dundee rivals have approached squad-building this summer, and not just with regards to the quickness of getting deals done. Six of Dundee's eight new additions have arrived from English clubs, while Dundee United have (infamously) done most of their shopping abroad. Their non-Scots XI against UNA Strassen in the Europa Conference League provoked a furious reaction from some quarters, due to a perception that they're needlessly blocking pathways for young Scottish players. Yet United have insisted they've largely looked outwith UK borders to get better value for money, believing that the inordinate wages down south are pricing out most of the players who would be worth having. That would marry with Pressley's frustrations, expressed this week. The head coach insists they're still trying to bring in another five players before the end of the window, which is why the manager is preaching patience to anyone within the support who still has the mind to listen, but he admits it's been a difficult process with key targets opting to move elsewhere. The 51-year-old didn't inherit the best of situations, with 11 first-team players (and at least seven regular starters) all leaving this past summer. But the approach to replacing them has been slow and, thus far, underwhelming. Furthermore, we're already in August and Dundee don't just need squad fillers. They need quality starting players. That's increasingly difficult at this late juncture. At least there is Simon Murray to come back. He single-handedly kept his boyhood favourites above water last term and it seems like he'll be given a similarly Ethan Hunt-esque mission this time around. Though asking a 33-year-old to carry ten other guys on his back doesn't sound like the most full-proof of plans. Next up for the Dees is a trip to Ibrox, which is then followed by a visit to Kilmarnock before United cross Tannadice Street for the first derby of the campaign. If there are still zero points on the board at the end of August then the supporters will already be fully mutinous. Would it be enough to move chief executive John Nelms into making a change of manager? The American has certainly never been shy of making some bold managerial calls before, such as binning James McPake following successive victories and dispensing with Gary Bowyer after he'd won the second-tier crown. One suspects he is committed to the fresh strategy of focusing intensely on player development. Rolled out earlier this year, it was a key driver in bringing Pressley in from Brentford – where he was literally in charge of player development – so you'd maybe expect a bit more leeway as Nelms, whether publicly or privately, explains away this sombre start as nothing more extreme than growing pains. Lending credence to this theory is the two and three-year contracts they've been giving out to some of the new recruits as Pressley stresses the importance of continuity. But while Nelms will wish to hold a steely resolve and see this plan through, it's easier said than done when the rest of the league is once again pointing and laughing; the intensity of such will only grow with each passing defeat. Pressley has stated this is a process. If he wants to be around for its conclusion he's going to have to hurry it along.
Yahoo
24-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
AFL world erupts over detail in post-match scenes involving Sam Docherty
The AFL world is showering Kade Simpson with praise after a stunning gesture for Sam Docherty after the Carlton veteran's farewell game. The Hawks spoiled Docherty's farewell to the AFL with a 24-point win over the Blues at the MCG. Docherty announced his retirement during the week, and capped off his remarkable career with a goal in front of 51,271 fans on Thursday night. The 31-year-old was then given an emotional send-off after the final siren and was chaired off the ground. And one lovely detail in the post-match scenes caught the eye of AFL fans and commentators. The two people who lifted Docherty onto their shoulders to carry him off were Carlton captain Patrick Cripps and Hawthorn assistant coach Simpson. While he may be on the Hawks' coaching staff, Simpson is a Carlton great having played 342 games for the club. He spent the majority of his career playing alongside Docherty, and the pair share a close bond. And nothing epitomised their bond more than Simpson being one of the people to chair Docherty off the ground. It's extremely rare to see someone from the opposition team being part of the traditional post-match act, but Docherty and Simpson put club loyalties aside in a beautiful moment of mateship. 'This is a pretty special moment,' Hawthorn champion Luke Hodge said in commentary for Channel 7. Social media was blown away by the lovely moment, with one person writing: "Kade Simpson chairing Doc off along side Cripps. My heart is hurting." Another commented: "Fitting seeing Kade Simpson being a part of the chairing off of Sam Docherty... both heart and soul players down at Princes Park. Even as a one-eyed Pie you have to recognise 'Players' when you see them! Good luck in your retirement Doc!" Great moment Docherty, Kade Simpson chairing him. It's sad for him the game was such a non event. — sheikoftweet (@sheikoftweet11) July 24, 2025 kade simpson chairing docherty off the ground there are tears in my eyes — pia (@spideysariana) July 24, 2025 A lovely send off for our champ 💙💙💙💙 — Mary Spy (@mez_spy) July 24, 2025 Chaired off by Kade Simpson! Felt like he old days with them both in my backline 😭 — Wesley Edwards (@Fearinator) July 24, 2025 How good that Kade Simpson was able to help chair him off.❤️ — Father Jack (@initialscsw) July 24, 2025 Sam Docherty grateful after AFL career comes to an end Docherty has twice overcome being diagnosed with testicular cancer and endured three knee reconstructions. He won a Carlton best-and-fairest award and All-Australian selection. The 31-year-old entered the field of play for his 184th and final game with his family on Thursday night, and had 16 disposals between a wing and half-forward. He was moved into the attacking quarter after half-time, and celebrated with a bow to the crowd after slotting a fitting farewell goal in the third quarter. Docherty told Channel 7 after the game: 'Strange feeling, to be honest. It's all I've done for 14 years - I don't really know how to sum it up at the moment. Amazing to have all my friends, family (here), share the game with Weiters (Jacob Weitering), chair-off with Simmo, it's about as good as I could've felt other than getting the win. 'Strange feeling not coming in next week or having to do any recovery after this but I've had a career I'm pretty proud of, happy to go and relax and do some other stuff for a while.' RELATED: Rival AFL player breaks ranks with statement about Steven May New blow for Collingwood as important player sidelined for weeks Carlton coach disappointed with team's performance Carlton 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 afterwards. "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."
The Advertiser
24-07-2025
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Hawks on Blues cruise to deny Docherty fairytale finish
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. 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. 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.
7NEWS
24-07-2025
- Sport
- 7NEWS
Kade Simpson chairs off Sam Docherty in Carlton veteran's emotional goodbye to footy
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. 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. 'Strange feeling, to be honest. It's all I've done for 14 years — I don't really know how to sum it up at the moment,' Docherty told Channel 7. 'Amazing to have all my friends, family (here), share the game with Weiters, chair-off with Simmo, it's about as good as I could've felt other than getting the win. 'Strange feeling not coming in next week or having to do any recovery after this but I've had a career I'm pretty proud of, happy to go and relax and do some other stuff for a while.' Docherty was celebrated with a presentation in the rooms, surrounded by his wife, two children and their family. 'The finality of it — it's quite jarring,' AFL great Nick Riewoldt said post-game. '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.
Perth Now
24-07-2025
- Sport
- Perth Now
Hawks on Blues cruise to deny Docherty fairytale finish
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, who announced his retirement mid-week, kicked a goal and was given a touching send-off in front of 51,271 fans on Thursday night. 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. 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. 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 never in the hunt. Blues talls Harry McKay (ribs) and Jacob Weitering (concussion test) were both assessed for injuries after coming under friendly fire in collisions with teammates before halftime. Quick goals to Jack Gunston and Dear early in the third term stretched Hawthorn's lead beyond 40 points for the first time. 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. Gunston (three goals), Dear, 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. Weitering worked tirelessly in defence in his 200th game, while George Hewett (25 disposals) and Zac Williams (18 touches, seven clearances) worked 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.
