Docherty's grand plans
Sam Docherty has the opportunity to end a frustrating first season on a high note in Sunday's NEAFL Grand Final
The 18-year-old, taken at number 12 in last year's AFL National Draft, had his early months in Brisbane ruined by a hip operation and a hamstring strain.
While most of his fellow first round selections were getting a crack in the seniors at their various clubs around the league, Docherty was first rehabbing, and then playing out the season in the Lions' reserves.
The rebounding defender did not drop his head, and has consistently been one of the Lions' best in the NEAFL.
On Sunday the Lions play Northern Territory in the NEAFL Northern Conference Grand Final in Brisbane, and give Docherty a chance to take something away from a frustrating debut campaign.
After overcoming an off-season hip operation, the Phillip Island product was preparing for round one, only to twinge his hamstring and put him back even further.
He played catch-up all season, and despite being named an emergency several times late in the season, did not make his senior debut.
"It was a bit frustrating that when I got here it was a bit harder to meet the boys because I was off the track," Docherty said.
"I met the rehab boys pretty well, I spent a heap of time with Drummo (Josh Drummond), but with all the boys on the track it was hard for them to get to know me and how I played and what I was like.
"To come to a club and have that happen and still feel so welcomed was really helpful. I've built the relationships now and hopefully we win a flag on the weekend."
Docherty said coming from country Victoria, his biggest lesson was the professionalism required at the top level.
He said the jump from under-age footballer to full-timer had taken some getting used to.
"It was a massive step up in training loads and weights and everything," he said.
"There's more to it than just the game on the weekend, you've got to do all the right things during the week, whether it be physio or massage.
"Although I was coming back from my hip [operation], I was still a bit country-style about it and not 100 per cent, but after you learn it and it becomes routine, when you get your consistency off the field, you get your consistency on the field.
"I was happy with the twos' form but I was still looking for improvement. I still need to go to another level to play senior footy with fitness and repeat speed, so there's a bit to work on over the pre-season."
But first things first, and that's playing the Thunder on Sunday.
Docherty played in five junior Grand Finals - winning three - but has not captured a senior title yet.
He said the talented Thunder outfit would not be easy.
"There's a fair few indigenous boys in their team and they can run [fast] and jump. They leave a lot of space in the midfield and let their little fellas sprint through it, so we've just got to cut that out and be physical.
"It would be nice to finish the year with a flag."
Michael Whiting covers Brisbane Lions news for AFL.com.au. Follow him on Twitter: @AFL_mikewhiting
The views in this story are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL