Carlton's Sam Docherty has claimed the 2023 Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award for his commitment to raise awareness and vital funds for cancer research, as well as his ambassador role at Paws4Kids.
The defender has provided a beacon of hope to those in the community battling illness after recovering twice from testicular cancer, with his inspirational story leading to multiple fundraising campaigns within the football community.
Launched in 2021 the 'Do It for Doc' initiative not only helped raise $220,000 for the Peter MacCallum Cancer Foundation to support life-saving cancer research, but his voice and position also encouraged more people in the community to book a checkup with their doctor. Docherty now holds a voluntary role as an Observer on the Board of the Peter Mac Cancer Foundation and is an ambassador for the Peter Mac Cup, which takes place between Carlton and Collingwood every year and is the longest-running charity match in the AFL.
The former Blues co-captain is also an ambassador for Paws4Kids which is a program run through MacKillop Family Services. This initiative allows more vulnerable children to get back to the classroom through the support of therapy dogs.
Docherty was also instrumental when Carlton teamed up with North Melbourne and fellow cancer survivor, Ben Cunnington, to create the first Good Friday Superclash. The match ultimately raised more than $200,000 for the Good Friday Appeal and in the process, drew the biggest crowd attendance in the fixture’s history of 49,062.
Fremantle's Bailey Banfield, Melbourne’s Ben Brown and Sydney's Harry Cunningham were all finalists and recognised on the night for their significant contribution to the community and their nominated charities.
AFL Chief Executive Gillon McLachlan said Docherty epitomised the essence of the award.
"Sam should be incredibly proud of this achievement, and I'd like to congratulate him on the tremendous support and advocacy he's provided for patients, families and everyone in the community who has been impacted by cancer," McLachlan said.
"The way Sam has been able to use his own personal experience to give hope, inspiration and raise an enormous amount of funds for the Peter MacCallum Cancer Foundation and other charities is a testament to his character.
"I'd also like to take this opportunity to acknowledge Bailey, Ben and Harry who were also finalists for the award and who continue to make our football community proud with the invaluable work they do for their nominated charities."
Carlton CEO Brian Cook praised Docherty for his passion to help others.
"Sam is such a selfless and generous person who gives everything to everyone. The way he plays the game is a true reflection of his character – courageous with spirit and heart – and this shines through off the field too," Cook said.
"He's always willing to help and we couldn’t be prouder of what he’s been able to achieve in the community and the positive impact he’s had on so many people. He truly wants to make a difference and we feel very lucky to have Sam at our club."
Proudly supported by Telstra and the Jim Stynes Foundation, Docherty will receive $40,000 which will be donated to the charity or community program of his choice.
The Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award has become the pinnacle of recognition of philanthropic achievements within the AFL community, named in honour of the late former Melbourne Football Club President and player, Jim Stynes.
Past winners include Geelong Cats’ Joel Selwood (2022), Port Adelaide’s Travis Boak (2021), Richmond’s Bachar Houli (2020), GWS GIANTS’ Stephen Coniglio (2019), Melbourne's Neville Jetta (2018), Port Adelaide's Jack Hombsch (2017), Geelong Cats’ Jimmy Bartel (2016), Carlton's Dennis Armfield (2015), West Coast Eagles' Beau Waters (2014), Gold Coast Suns' Zac Smith (2013) and Richmond's Daniel Jackson (2012).
