When Ginninderra fast bowler Luke Docherty answered a call from ACT Comets coach Jonathon Dean a week ago, it was a surprise for himself and the development of career.
At 27 years old, Docherty is preparing to make his Comets debut in Tasmania, a moment he describes as “massive” and something he “didn’t really expect to happen so quickly.”
“It was pretty cool getting that phone call,” Docherty said. “I’ve been helping at training as a net bowler for a couple of months now, but to actually be picked, it means a lot.”
Docherty only arrived in the ACT in 2025 to start the season, but the move was not a sudden decision. After a few years playing in Albury and representing Country New South Wales, the idea of joining the ACT Cricket Pathway had been simmering.
“It’s something I’d been thinking about for a couple of years,” he said. “I got a few messages from Jack Wilcox two or three seasons ago as he reached out.” He was pretty keen to try and get me down here. “He’s been a big reason why I’m here.”
Leaving behind a permanent teaching job in Albury was the hardest part of the transition, but the bowler said the welcome he received from Ginninderra Cricket Club made everything else easy.
“Ginninderra made it very easy for me,” he said. “I’ve been surrounded by a lot of good people. The support has been unreal.”
Docherty has since settled into a new teaching role in Murrumbateman balancing the classroom with life as a fast bowler.
The opportunity to travel with the squad to Tasmania and to pull on a Comets shirt for the first time is something he’s ready to embrace.
“To be given this chance is huge. I’ve made a few sacrifices to get here, and I’m just glad it’s paying off,” he said. “This is the place I need to be right now if I want to push my cricket further.”
Since arriving at Ginninderra, Docherty has thrived in ACT Premier Cricket, describing the competition as “fantastic.”
“I feel like I’m learning every weekend,” he said. “There are a lot of great people at Ginninderra and a lot of really good conversations about where to take my game.”
Training with the Comets squad has accelerated that growth, especially working closely with Comets teammate Harry Thomas.
“It’s good having another fast bowler to bounce ideas off,” he said. “And I love watching Zac Worden bat. I don’t love bowling to him, though. He’s got a lot of shots in the nets.”
The Tasmania trip will be Docherty’s first time playing the four-day format in a while, but he feels prepared for the challenge.
“I’ve bowled at a lot of carnivals where you bowl every day,” he said. “I know it’ll be tough, but I’m looking forward to testing myself. It’s just about doing what I do best for long periods and being ready physically.”
Docherty hopes this won’t be a one-off, but a steppingstone to something more permanent.
“For me, this is one step in what I want to do with my cricket,” he said. “I’m hoping all goes well next week, and I’ll prepare as best as I can to make inroads into whatever’s next.”
Catch the Comets in the Toyota Second XI competition as they take on Tasmania at the TCA Oval from January 19-22.
Head to the Cricket Australia Livestream YouTube channel to follow the match.