Carlton’s Sam Docherty has put pen to paper and inked a new three-year-deal, ensuring he will remain with the Blues until at least the end of 2018.



The 21-year-old arrived at Carlton through the 2013 trade period, after 13 games with the Brisbane Lions.



A life-long Carlton supporter, Docherty made his debut in the Navy Blues jumper in Round 7, 2014 against Collingwood. From there he held his spot in the team, running out in every game for the remainder of the season and finishing ninth in the Blues’ best and fairest.



Docherty says he’s rapt to be staying in the jumper that he loves.



“It’s great to get the deal done – there was never any doubt in my mind about whether I was staying or going,” Docherty said.



“I think Carlton has some success around the corner. I know that it doesn’t seem like that now, but the club is working really hard and the players are working really hard to get to where we want to be.”



Carlton’s Head of Football Andrew McKay says Docherty has shown class both on and off the field.



“Sam is part of Carlton’s middle tier leadership group and we’ve seen his leadership qualities really emerge over the past few years,” McKay said.



“We recruited Sam specifically to play a variety of positions and he has shown some good form doing that this year.



“It’s fantastic to have someone of his quality, both on and off the field, sign a long-term deal with us.”



Docherty’s stats:



DOB: 17 October 1993

Carlton Debut: Round 7, 2014 v Collingwood

Games: 34 (21 at Carlton)

Goals: 8 (7 at Carlton)

Guernsey No. 15

Carlton Player No. 1152