Carlton veteran Sam Docherty has decided to retire following this week's clash with Hawthorn at the MCG.

That game will be Docherty's 184th and final in the league, with the champion defender to bid farewell to the AFL on Thursday night.

Docherty, who captained the Blues for three seasons from 2019-2021, joined the club ahead of the 2014 campaign after commencing his career with Brisbane.

Docherty was recruited to the Lions via the 2011 AFL Draft out of Phillip Island, and would play just 13 games in 2013 before seeking a move back to Victoria.

He would go on to become an integral part of the club's defence, earning his maiden best and fairest in 2016 and an All-Australian selection in 2017.

Docherty was announced as co-captain of Carlton for 2019, joining current skipper Patrick Cripps in leading the club.

Nominees for AFL Awards announced
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 21: Sam Docherty of the Blues celebrates a goal during the 2022 AFL Round 23 match between the Carlton Blues and the Collingwood Magpies at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on August 21, 2022 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

He would step away from his duties as captain after the 2021 season following a battle with testicular cancer, which he was first diagnosed with the year prior.

Docherty's career also included two ACL reconstructions, the second of which came in the club's opening game last year, with the champion Blue managing to recover in time for Carlton's elimination final against Brisbane in the same season. 

"When I was a kid, my entire family used to climb into a van and drive from Phillip Island to the MCG for Round 1 every year. For me to get the chance to go on and play in those games, and also captain the club that I grew up supporting โ€“ I can honestly say it's a dream come true," Docherty said in a club statement.

"To have built the most incredible friendships over the last 14 years, which I will take with me for the rest of my life, I am so incredibly thankful, and I appreciate everyone who has supported me through it all. 

"Perspective is such a valuable thing, and that is what I am most grateful for in my career. When my career started, I thought a footballer had to define themselves by the accolades they achieved: while I am certainly grateful for those that have come my way, I will leave this game with so much more. 

Hard Knocks: The Lion under pressure, the Blues needing help and the contender that's been worked out
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 08: Jacob Weitering, Sam Docherty, Patrick Cripps, Sam Walsh and Tom De Koning of the Blues sings the song in the rooms after winning the First Elimination Final AFL match between Carlton Blues and Sydney Swans at Melbourne Cricket Ground, on September 08, 2023, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

"The experiences I have had not just in my football career, but in life, have moved the goal posts for me โ€“ while there has been no shortage of challenges, because of what I have been through I have been allowed to meet so many amazing people and have had the opportunity to have an impact far greater than kicking or handballing a football ever could. 

"My wife, Nat, has been my rock through everything: I knew when I faced every challenge, we would be doing it together. I cannot thank her enough for her support, and I can't wait to begin the next chapter of our lives together with Ruby and Myles."

Carlton will clash with Hawthorn at the MCG this Thursday night, with the game to get underway at 7:30 pm (AEST).

The Blues will also honour Docherty at their next home game, which will come against Gold Coast on August 9 at Marvel Stadium.