Footy star reveals how his father's death led him to the grip of gambling addiction

Former Carlton star Sam Docherty has faced more adversity than most, and now he has revealed the hidden gambling addiction he faced during his playing days. 

Docherty began his AFL career after being drafted by the Brisbane Lions in 2011 and then moving to the Carlton Football Club in 2014, where he played 184 games. 

He announced his retirement in July 2025 following a career that included club best and fairest honours, All-Australian selection, and significant personal health challenges.

Docherty was first diagnosed with testicular cancer in 2020 and underwent surgery and chemotherapy. 

He later faced a second diagnosis but recovered and returned to play AFL at the highest level. 

Now, he has revealed another barrier in his life and footy career, the one he kept secret, his battle with gambling addiction.  

'It's one of the many challenges in my life, but it's one of the more hidden ones across my journey,' Docherty said.

'It wasn't so much about the total of money spent, it was more the habits of gambling consistently was more the bit that was a worrying sign.

'Part of it is the shame and guilt in behind it. Sometimes you hide it for a bit longer than you should.

'A bit of mine was linked to my dad passing away and the linkage I had with him and then being able to unpack all that over a number of years through some professional support was able to get that into check.'

Docherty said his struggles began around the time of his father’s death and that he sought help about four years ago.

He admitted to keeping his issues private for a long time because of guilt and shame.

He explained that gambling on racing and sport became a trap, largely because of how effortless it was to deposit money.

Now, Docherty has been announced as an ambassador for Gambling Harm Awareness Week 2025 by the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission along with Melbourne Storm star Cameron Munster.

 'I'm not anti-gambling but I do respect there's a lot of great tools these days you can use to keep yourself safe and healthy,' he said.

'The best one for me has been setting that deposit limit for the week.

'Often the vulnerable times are when you've had a couple of drinks and you're caught up in all the excitement, the ease of being able to put money back in your account was often the trap for me.

'That's the crux of the campaign, set before you bet, while you've got the conscious thoughts of what you want to gamble on.

'For me, it was bad enough that I sought help and took time away from gambling and didn't gamble for a number of years.

'I know it's opening up my life again but the thought that it might help someone who could be going through it or help someone with a healthier habit towards it, is something I feel quite good about.

'Footballers are probably the heightened version of that because we end up with disposable income. Pressures of the outside world and the income, it's a cocktail for these sorts of conversations and habits to form.'