CARLTON co-captain Sam Docherty will undergo a traditional reconstruction as he recovers from an ACL injury.

Back at Ikon Park on Wednesday, it didn’t take Docherty long to return to the track and assist in a coaching capacity during training.

Docherty said he will opt for the traditional surgery with his long-term future in mind.

“I went to the surgeons yesterday with one of the physios — we sat down and through his recommendation, we’ll go the traditional reconstruction again,” Docherty said.

“We’ll be jumping in next Monday to do it as soon as we can, so I can get started and work back to playing footy and doing what I love.

“It’s the smartest thing to do for my long-term career.”

Despite being sidelined through injury, the co-captain said there was a lot for the Bluebagger army to be upbeat about in 2019.

“We’ve got a really good group here that wants to put in hard work,” Docherty said.

“There’s a really talented bunch of people that are going to put in the hard yards to make a stand for our football club.

“I’m supremely confident they’ll do that whether I’m out there or not.”

Docherty said he had come to terms with what had happened, which came in an innocuous incident in the final drill of Monday’s training session.

The 25-year-old said he would once again help the Club and playing group in whatever way possible.

“One of my points when I did it last year is I still have a role to play in this football club. As a leader and a captain, it doesn’t change because I’m off the track,” Docherty said.

“I’m at a stage where I’ve accepted what’s happened, I’m ready to move on and get my surgery and rehab started.”

With the support flooding in over recent days, Docherty said he had been overwhelmed by the messages and well-wishes from all over the football community.

“My phone hasn’t stopped for two days now. Most people from the Club have given me a text or a call,” Docherty said.

“I’ve had ex-players, ex-coaches, ex-football staff and players from other teams plus the numerous Carlton supporters out there. My social media hasn’t stopped — I’m definitely feeling the love and support.”