SAM DOCHERTY has agreed to defer a decision on his football future as the Brisbane Lions make a last-ditch effort to convince the homesick Victorian to re-sign with the club.
Docherty's manager, Matt Bain of Stride Sports Management, told AFL.com.au on Friday his client had reached this decision after a week of discussions with the club and his family.
"The Lions want the chance to convince Sam that their environment is the right one for him to further his career," Bain said.
"Sam is at home at the moment, having a rest and chatting to his family.
"There's no reason why he has to make a decision yet. Sam doesn't want to rush his decision, he wants to get it right."
Docherty's deferral is a boost for the Lions after their first two picks in the 2010 national draft, South Australian Jared Polec and Victorian Patrick Karnezis, recently told the club they wanted to return to their home states.
Polec (2010's No.5 draft pick) informed the Lions of his decision on Wednesday, while AFL.com.au revealed last month that Karnezis (No.25) wanted to move home.
Twenty-year-old ruckman Billy Longer (2011's No.8 draft pick) also remains uncontracted and reports have linked him to Hawthorn and Richmond in his home state of Victoria.
AFL.com.au understands there is considerable interest in Docherty, 2011's No.12 pick, among Victorian clubs.
But it is understood Docherty is now prepared to wait to see who the Lions appoint as Michael Voss' successor, along with the assistant coaching team the new senior coach assembles.
The candidates interviewed by the Lions for the job include former Adelaide coach and outgoing Melbourne interim coach Neil Craig and club assistants Justin Leppitsch (Richmond) and Simon Goodwin (Essendon).
Docherty had 20 possessions on debut against North Melbourne in round four this season and went on to play 13 games, including 11 of the Lions' last 14 matches.
The defender also gave glimpses of the poised decision-making and booming right foot that earned him rave reviews playing for Vic Country in the 2011 NAB AFL Championships.
Docherty did not play a senior game in his first season with the Lions in 2012 after hip surgery delayed his start to the year.
