Fresh off a win over Port Adelaide, the fifth-placed Hawks (12-6) enter Thursday night's MCG contest as warm favourites intent on locking in a top-eight spot.
But the embattled Blues (7-11, 12th) eased pressure on coach Michael Voss with a much-needed win over Melbourne last round and have plenty to play for despite their lowly ladder position.
Docherty, who has twice beaten testicular cancer, will play his 184th and final match in a celebrated career that has included three knee reconstructions, a best-and-fairest award and All-Australian selection.
Carlton will be desperate to send him off in the right manner and also give vice-captain Jacob Weitering something to celebrate in his 200th game.
"We've been dealt the cards of the villain for this one," Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell said.
"The thing about Sam is it's beyond sport. He's got the three knee reconstructions and coming back from that and still being an All-Australian type player.
"But then obviously his cancer treatments and coming back from that means it transcends sport. It's such an inspirational person that he's been.
"We'll certainly be trying to ruin his party, but after that I certainly think he's one of the players of this season that needs to be celebrated."
Hawthorn have beaten Carlton in their last two meetings, but Mitchell is wary, noting the Blues are the highest-scoring team in first quarters this season.
"You can see that they're more than capable and they're going to be playing for a bit with Docherty and a 200th game as well," Mitchell said.
"They're going to have a fair bit on, so you'd expect them to come out with a lot of energy and vibrancy."
Hawthorn sit two games clear of ninth but face a tough run home, against finals-bound Adelaide, Collingwood and the Brisbane Lions in the last month of the home-and-away campaign.
"Every game is as good as a final," Mitchell said.
"We understand where we sit and we need to make sure we're very focused on getting the best outcome we can."
The Hawks will be bolstered by the return of young gun Will Day from a foot injury when they play their first game at the MCG since May.
Mitch Lewis has recovered well after his comeback match last week and will back up, but teammate Finn Maginness has been ruled out for the rest of the season because of a lacerated kidney.
Carlton key forward Harry McKay returns for his first game since round 11 after recovering from minor knee surgery, while Blake Acres has been recalled.
Francis Evans and Flynn Young are both out injured.
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