Docherty improved again on previous seasons during 2016, he would go on to play all 22 games for the Blues under new coach Brendon Bolton. Carlton improved from 2015 to notch up seven wins for the season, three more than last year and the Blues ended up finishing 14th on the ladder. Averaging 25 disposals off half-back, he and Kade Simpson forged a strong partnership in defence, making it much harder for the opposition to score. Docherty was rewarded with the John Nicholls Medal as Carlton's best and fairest player, he was also named in the 40-man squad for the All-Australian team and the AFL Players’ Association’s final 22Under22 team. He also took home Carlton's Most Improved Player award.
