Sam Docherty has been welcomed back into the Carlton fold as captain Patrick Cripps insists there are no hard feelings against the retired star over his expletive-laden criticism of his former club.
Docherty labelled the Blues a "f***ing s***show" in a private voice message that was leaked by ex-teammate Daniel Gorringe last month, and was withdrawn from speaking duties at a club function the following week.
But Docherty, a two-time testicular cancer survivor, was on hand to help Carlton and Collingwood launch their long-standing annual charity match on Monday in support of the Peter MacCallum Cancer Foundation.
"He's good. I chat to Doc all the time and he does a great amount of work for Peter Mac, but obviously with his story as well it makes this game extra special for us," Cripps said.
"We saw what he went through with his battle and we also saw the power of community when people come together to support a mate when they need it.
"That's why this round's so special. It puts a spotlight on things that are much bigger than the game itself."
Docherty, who retired at the end of last season, raised eyebrows with his raw criticism of Carlton's game style in a rant that followed their season-opening loss to Sydney.
The assessment was sent in a private voice message to content creator Gorringe, who then aired it on social media without his former teammate's knowledge.
"Yeah, I chatted to him, but at the end of the day those comments weren't meant to get aired," Cripps said.
"People look at it in two ways but realistically he did that in a private sort of setting.
"I chat to Doc all the time, I have no hard feelings towards Doc, and we've moved on from that."
Docherty's criticism unintentionally added to a fierce blowtorch that has been on Carlton all season, with intense scrutiny on coach Michael Voss in the final year of his contract.
The Blues carry a 1-4 record into their clash with Collingwood at the MCG on Thursday night, and have struggled against their traditional rivals in recent seasons.
The Magpies have won the last four meetings and seven of eight since 2022, when former Brisbane Lions teammates Voss and Craig McRae took over as coaches of the two sides.
"There's nothing more that I love than beating the Pies," Cripps said.
"You love winning every game but there's certainly a little bit more when you beat your rivals.
"We're well aware that they've probably had the wood on us the last couple of years but we're looking to change that on Thursday."
Cripps said Carlton players had been put on notice by the call to drop reigning best-and-fairest winner George Hewett for last week's loss to Adelaide.
He backed the experienced ball-winner to bounce back, but deferred questions about team selection to Voss.
"You feel for him because you see the work he puts in and he put the team ahead of everything because of the way he showed up," Cripps said.
"He created a real positive energy, which is what you want to see when guys don't get the opportunity.
"I've got a lot of respect for him and he'll play a lot of footy for us this year."
