HOMESICK Brisbane Lions youngster Sam Docherty will fly home to Melbourne this weekend for discussions with family and friends as he prepares to make a decision on his future next week.
AFL.com.au understands there is considerable interest in Docherty, the No.12 pick in the 2011 NAB AFL Draft, among Victorian clubs.
But the out-of-contract rebounding defender is yet to commit to a move home and is focused on deciding whether to re-sign with the Lions rather than actively exploring opposition interest.
After getting the input of his family and friends this weekend, it is understood Docherty will meet with Lions officials again, with a decision expected later next week.
One of the factors in Docherty's decision will be Michael Voss' likely replacement as senior coach, with reports suggesting former Crows coach and Melbourne interim coach Neil Craig and Hawthorn assistant Adam Simpson are among those being considered for the job.
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' past 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.
