The AFL world is in mourning after the shock death of former Fremantle and GWS Giants forward Cam McCarthy, aged 29.
Paramedics found McCarthy unresponsive after they were called to a house, believed to belong to his parents, in Lake Coogee in Perth’s south on Thursday night at around 6.15pm local time.
His death is not being treated as suspicious.
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McCarthy played 70 AFL games and kicked 99 goals in a seven-year career with GWS and Fremantle.
He was drafted by the Giants with pick No.14 in 2013 and managed one game in his debut season.
After a breakout year in 2015 with 35 goals from 20 games, he requested a trade back to his home state WA despite being contracted until 2017.
The Giants blocked the move, but McCarthy then took time out of the game due to mental health issues.
He decided to return to WA and didn’t play at AFL level for the entire 2016 season.
He then got his wish and was traded to Fremantle during that year’s trade period.
The Dockers are set to face the Sydney Swans at Optus Stadium tonight (Friday) and players will wear black armbands as a tribute to McCarthy.
Star Fremantle players such as captain Alex Pearce, veteran forward Michael Walters, dual Brownlow medallist Nat Fyfe, and injured ruck Sean Darcy are all past teammates of McCarthy.
Club boss Simon Garlick remembered McCarthy as a happy and loveable person and teammate.
“On behalf of everyone at the Fremantle Football Club, we extend our deepest sympathies to Cam’s family at this unimaginably difficult time,” Garlick said.
“His death is tragic, and to all of his family, friends and teammates, we extend our deepest condolences.
“Cam was a kind and easy-going person at the club, and he was someone who had a habit of making people smile and laugh. His talent was undeniable and he loved his footy.
“Our thoughts are with Cam’s family and his loved ones during this time.”
McCarthy’s death is more dreadful news for the Dockers after a series of unrelated tragedies.
Harley Balic, who was a teammate of McCarthy’s in 2017, died in 2022, and Shane Yarran, who played in 2016, died in 2018.
Colin Sylvia, who played for Fremantle in 2014 after several years at Melbourne, died in 2018.
McCarthy’s death will be felt across the AFL with several of his former teammates still at Fremantle and other clubs.
Fyfe and Walters, the Dockers’ two longest-serving players, were teammates with all four of the deceased players.
The Giants said they were also shattered by the news.
“We are saddened to learn of Cam’s passing. The news has had a profound impact on many current and former Giants players and staff,” GWS chief David Matthews said.
“Cam had great energy and was a much-loved member of our club for the seasons he was here. He was very popular and a bright footballing talent.
“On behalf of the Giants, we extend our deepest sympathies to the entire McCarthy family and his many friends.”
After playing 21 games for GWS between 2014 and 2016, McCarthy moved home to Western Australia.
He was a regular member of the Dockers team during his first two years at the club, but only managed 12 games in 2019 and then just one in 2020 before quitting halfway through the year.
During that 2020 season he was diagnosed with epilepsy following a scary collapse at training.
It was reported at the time that Fremantle was not prepared to offer him a new contract at season’s end, so the player walked.
McCarthy then played for South Fremantle in the WAFL but quit that club as well after a poor showing in the 2021 season-opener.
The South Fremantle Football Club said McCarthy would be “dearly missed”.
“Cam is remembered not just as a prodigious football talent, but as a popular, compassionate and caring person who had time for everyone at our club,” the club said in a statement.
“The entire South Fremantle Football Club community offers condolences to the McCarthy family at this difficult time.”
WA Premier Roger Cook called it a “really sad day”.
“This is someone who we understand died in non-suspicious circ*mstances so our heart goes out to that family and (his) friends who must be really hurting today,” he said.
“I also want to acknowledge the pain that the Fremantle Football Club will be feeling.
“As we know, every elite sportsperson has a range of pressures in their lives and when they move on from their sporting careers those pressures remain, and this is a really sad day.”
If you need help in a crisis, call Lifeline on 13 11 14. For further information about depression contact beyondblue on 1300224636 or talk to your GP, local health professional or someone you trust.
