SAM DOCHERTY'S latest injury setback has "gutted" Carlton coach Michael Voss and his teammates.
The Blues coach says the club will miss one of their most popular players, who suffered a season-ending knee injury in Friday night's outstanding comeback win over Brisbane at the Gabba.
It will necessitate a third knee reconstruction for Docherty, who has also recovered from two bouts of cancer.
Carlton only discovered the extent of Docherty's latest injury when they returned to Melbourne on Saturday.
"(We were) gutted for him. It certainly levelled me out pretty quick," Voss said on Monday.
"He's going to be missed, he's a loved person to us.
"The other thing is we understand the real challenges he's had in his life in most recent times."
Voss said Docherty was taking his latest setback as well as could be expected.
"Sam's not looking for any sympathy at all - he'll get on with it and be a real pro about his rehab," the coach said.
"But he's been a really important person to us and it won't feel quite the same without him being there with us."
Voss was speaking on Monday morning to announce the club's extended sponsorship deal with Great Southern Bank. Voss and CEO Brian Cook were at the MCG, where Carlton expects a crowd of about 90,000 for Thursday night's clash with arch rival Richmond.
