Sam Docherty has taken his bow to celebrate a popular goal in his final AFL appearance.

The much-loved Carlton veteran this week announced he would retire immediately after Thursday night’s clash with Hawthorn.

One of the most admired players in the league after overcoming three ACL injuries and two bouts of testicular cancer, he still couldn’t avoid the wars for his MCG farewell.

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He was sat on by Calsher Dear for a mark of the year contender and copped a cut to the face in the first half.

But it was all forgotten when the 31-year-old former skipper got on the end of one in the third quarter.

“He runs into the open goal and says thank you very much for coming,” Brian Taylor said in commentary on Channel 7.

“He takes a bow and gets the congratulations from all teammates.”

Blues fans stood as one to applaud while wife Natalie celebrated with their two young children, who were carried by Docherty through the banner before the game.

His goal was a rare bright spot for Carlton after being dominated by the Hawks to trail by 30 points at three-quarter time.

Docherty famously kicked a goal in his Round 1, 2022 comeback from his second bout of cancer, bringing the house down midway through the Blues’ win over Richmond.

He then repeated the feat last year in returning from his latest ACL injury.

Docherty went down against Brisbane at the Gabba in Opening Round but somehow returned for Carlton’s elimination final against the same opponent at the same ground.

But in that instance his goal was a mere consolation as the Blues went down by 28 points.