Fremantle players paid tribute to former teammate Cam McCarthy at gathering on Saturday night after Sydney loss

After the passing of Cam McCarthy, Freo players were visibly upset at the pre-game tribute to the former Docker on Friday. What came the day after was the start of the healing.

Devastated Fremantle players regrouped on Saturday night to remember former teammate Cam McCarthy after news of his sudden passing rocked the AFL in the hours before the Dockers loss to Sydney.

Emotions were high on Friday after it was discovered that the former Greater Western Sydney and Fremantle forward had died on Thursday night.

McCarthy played 70 games and kicked 99 goals in six AFL seasons with the Giants (2014-15) and Dockers (2017-20).

Eleven players that took to the field against the Swans had played alongside McCarthy. And Dockers coach Justin Longmuir revealed post-game that some players were close to not playing.

Walters said that players and staff came together 24 hours later to share memories and recognise a life tragically cut short.

“The group supports each other regardless,” Walters said.

Sam Switkoswki and Michael Walters line up as Fremantle and Sydney paid their respects to former player Cameron McCarthy at Optus Stadium on Friday. Picture: Paul Kane/Getty Images.

“Obviously it was a tough week last week. The boys caught up on Saturday night, hung out, had a few yarns and talked about Cam and shared some stories.

“He was a happy kid and someone we really enjoyed having at this football club. It was only right that we spoke about him and had a few laughs too, not only the players but staff as well.

“You are a bit sad and a bit cut. But we’ve got a lot of people around us to support us and each other.

“I think that’s something that we’ve built over this pre-season, that connection among each other, getting around each other when things get tough and also celebrating the good things together as well.”

Several players were visibly emotional during a pre-game tribute, including captain Alex Pearce and Nat Fyfe.

There’s been some debate about whether the game should’ve been delayed given the emotional state of some players. But Walters said it was important to honour McCarthy’s contribution to the game.

“Cam was a happy kid,” Walters said.

“Football was something that he truly loved so for us to go out there and represent him, represent the club, represent our fans through a tough time.

“Not only the players but his family, his close friends and the fans were sad about what had occurred so we wanted to go out there and try and represent him and the Freo family as much as we can.

“That’s what we wanted to do. We wanted to turn a really bad situation and make sure that everyone came together. It was important that we did that.”

Nat Fyfe, Alex Pearce and Caleb Serong during the moment’s silence for Cam McCarthy on Friday night. Picture: Paul Kane/Getty Images.

Defender Brandon Walker was drafted to the Dockers at the end of 2020 when McCarthy was informed that he wouldn’t be offered a contract for the following season. Walker said that he was proud of his teammates for taking to the field in the circumstances.

“It hurt some a few more than others,” he said. “But credit to the boys for pulling through and playing a full game of footy.

“It’s not the result we wanted. But I don’t think we were too far off with some of the game that we played. Obviously we wanted to kick straighter. But it was a big day for some of the boys.”

Brad Hill paid tribute to his former teammate, with the pair at Fremantle at the same time, speaking at the launch of Sir Doug Nicholls Round in Melbourne on Monday.

“It’s good playing against Freo, obviously I’ve got a few close mates there,” Hill said.

“Sonny Walters is probably my best mate and it’s always awesome to run out there and play against him, another proud Noongar man.”

“Yeah, it’s a tough one. Cam and I both went to Freo at the same time at the end of 2016. It’s obviously pretty devastating to see what happened,” Hill said.

“I don’t know what else to say. Keep checking in with your friends and your mates and make sure they’re doing fine.

“You always look back and wish you could do something else, and keep supporting people.”

Originally published as Fremantle players paid tribute to former teammate Cam McCarthy at gathering on Saturday night after Sydney loss