Sam Docherty is determined to turn Carlton into a top-four AFL force after completing a remarkable injury return that coach Michael Voss reckons may never be replicated. But first, the Blues' inspiration needs a rest.

Carlton's season was ended in apt fashion at the Gabba on Saturday, the Blues the first team in 50 years not to score a point in the opening quarter of a finals game and eventually falling 14.15 (99) to 11.5 (71) to Brisbane.

The Blues conceded the first nine goals before kicking five straight and then the game's final three, Docherty adding one of his own in his return from a torn anterior cruciate ligament suffered in the opening round at the same venue.

The injury generally carries a 12-month rehabilitation tag but the 30-year-old, who has twice recovered from cancer, did it in half that time.

"There was always the dream … every step we got was a bit closer but we always knew if I missed a target … we were all under agreeance we would stop," Docherty said post-game of his ambitious rehabilitation effort. "Everything fell into place … it was a hell of a year, but an unfortunate finish.

"I put my foot to the floor for six months. I do need a rest. I can't undersell … what I pushed myself through this year."

Voss was brought to tears post-game when addressing Docherty, who he drafted as Brisbane coach in 2011.

"A lot of speculation … I'm really pleased he's got through it, I can breath a bit and we get to have him next year now," he said. "He's an amazing human being isn't he, wow.

"It's a one-off. I don't know whether I'll see that [six-month return timeframe] ever again in my career.

"But when I sat in front of the bloke when he had cancer and said he'd play round one, I thought he was mad then. After that … you tend to believe him."

Lions coach Chris Fagan also admitted he had fears of re-injury for Docherty and thinks it's unlikely to become a new rehabilitation benchmark for clubs to strive towards. Docherty was likely the only person at the Gabba not thinking about the prospect of hurting it again.

"My life's taught me many things but one of the main things is don't worry about the shit that doesn't matter," he said. "It's funny, a lot of people probably do stress about this stuff, but I've been through this a few times."

Voss said he had no regrets about Carlton's selection for the final, particularly the decision to start Tom De Koning as the sub.

Tom De Koning was influential in the ruck for Carlton after being brought on as the sub midway through the second quarter. (Getty Images: Chris Hyde)

De Koning was activated midway through the second quarter and was highly influential, finishing with 11 disposals, 10 hitouts and three clearances for the match. Eyebrows were raised when Voss hooked midfielder Matt Kennedy to bring De Koning on.

"I tried to manage Tom's minutes a bit at the start of the game," he said. "We didn't want to activate him when we did, but we were left with no choice with how the scoreboard was rolling. 

"If we'd had our way we'd love to start them all at the same time. Tom was probably one or two runs short of being able to put in 100 minutes, for example. The option was to either not play him or to play him in that scenario, and we chose to want to activate him and I'm pleased we did."

Voss also lamented his team's lack of consistency across a season that was summed up neatly in their final performance.

"We're the unfinished product, the result says so," the coach said. "We can emphatically say we don't like where we are. It's not over yet, he's [Docherty] got more to go and ours [progression] is incomplete.

"We've got some really clear things we've got to get after to be better to be top four regularly. That's where we want to be … we're going to put our head down and make sure it happens."

Docherty's Remarkable Comeback

Docherty's return from the ACL injury was remarkable, considering the timeline for recovery is typically 12 months. He managed to do it in half that time, showcasing his incredible determination and resilience.

"There was always the dream ... every step we got was a bit closer but we always knew if I missed a target .. we were all under agreeance we would stop," Docherty said of his rehab process. He added, "Everything fell into place ... it was a hell of a year, but an unfortunate finish. I put my foot to the floor for six months. I do need a rest. I can't undersell ... what I pushed myself through this year."

Docherty's determination and fighting spirit are evident in his remarkable recovery. He has faced many challenges in his life, including two battles with cancer, and has always come out stronger. His inspiring comeback from the ACL injury is a testament to his incredible strength and resilience.

Carlton's Inconsistency

Voss acknowledged the Blues' lack of consistency throughout the season, which ultimately cost them a chance at a deep finals run. They were able to perform well in big games, but lacked consistency overall, which is something they need to address going into next season.

"I think tonight sort of typifies our season. Overall, [we were] very inconsistent in our performance throughout the season, and tonight, inconsistent in what we were trying to do and what we were trying to implement," said Docherty. "We've got full belief in the group we've got and what we're trying to do. We know it stacks up in big games. It has this year; it has last year. But the last couple of years has shown us the gap we need to close. We're pretty aware of what we need to do."

Carlton's performance against the Lions highlighted their need to improve their consistency. They were comprehensively beaten in an area they pride themselves on: winning the contest. Docherty admitted that their lack of continuity due to injuries also contributed to their inconsistent performances. 

The Road Ahead

Despite the disappointment of their season ending in the first week of finals, both Docherty and Voss remain optimistic about Carlton's future. They know the work needed to improve and are ready to put in the effort to become a top-four contender in the AFL. The Blues will use the off-season to address their weaknesses and build on their strengths, aiming to return stronger and more consistent next season.

Both Docherty and Voss are driven to achieve success with the Blues. They have shown their commitment to the team and are determined to make Carlton a force to be reckoned with in the AFL. As Voss put it, "We've got some really clear things we've got to get after to be better to be top four regularly. That's where we want to be … we're going to put our head down and make sure it happens."