‘Awful, sad’: Former AFL player Cam McCarthy dead at 29

Former Fremantle and GWS Giants player Cam McCarthy has passed away at the age of 29 in heartbreaking news.

Former Fremantle and GWS player Cam McCarthy has died at the age of 29.

Paramedics and police were reportedly called to the south of Perth in Lake Coogee on Thursday night

“About 6:15pm yesterday, Thursday 9 May 2024, emergency services were called to an address in Lake Coogee. Upon arrival, it was confirmed a 29-year-old male was deceased,” a WA police statement read.

“The death is being treated as non-suspicious. A report will be prepared for the coroner.”

At this stage it’s unclear how McCarthy died.

Cam McCarthy has passed away aged 29. Pic: Instagram

Cam McCarthy has passed away aged 29. Pic: Instagram

The heartbreaking news rocked the AFL community as tributes came flooding in for the former star forward.

Fremantle Chief Executive Simon Garlick wrote: “His death is tragic, and to all of his family, friends and teammates, we extend our deepest condolences. Our thoughts are with Cam’s family and his loved ones during this time.”

Giants Chief Executive Matthews wrote in a statement: “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. On behalf of the GIANTS, we extend our deepest sympathies to the entire McCarthy family and his many friends.”

AFL Players’ Association CEO Paul Marsh wrote: “This is a terribly sad time and we will make available whatever services and support Cam’s family, former teammates and his two football clubs may need during this tough time.”

Ryan Daniels from Channel 7 in Perth wrote: “Awful, sad news regarding former @freodockers forward Cam McCarthy. Just 29, now gone. Fremantle working through situation with its players and staff now.”

Broadcaster Neroli Meadows wrote: “I didn’t know Cam McCarthy well but our interactions were always so enjoyable. A kind soul with a down to earth demeanour who would cheer me on in hotel quarantine, chat cricket & just generally put a smile on my face. Thinking of his friends, family & teammates. A very sad day.”

The South Fremantle Football club wrote in a statement following the shock news: “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.

“He will be dearly missed.

“The entire South Fremantle Football Club community offers condolences to the McCarthy family at this difficult time.”

McCarthy is the third Docker to die young in recent years.

His teammate Harley Balic died in 2022, while another former Docker who played with McCarthy, Shane Yarran, died in 2018.

McCarthy entered the AFL system after being picked with the 14th pick in the 2013 national draft by the Giants.

The forward played two seasons with the Giants, appearing in 21 games before advising the club of his desire to return home following the 2015 season.

After his trade request was denied by the Giants, McCarthy sat out the 2016 season as he returned home to Western Australia.

He was ultimately traded to Fremantle in the 2016 trade period, where he played 49 games and kicked 63 goals.

He played 49 games with the Dockers. (AAP Image/Richard Wainwright)

McCarthy in his younger years with the Giants.

His time in the AFL came to an abrupt end in 2020 when he sensationally quit the Dockers mid-season after being told he was not being offered a contract for the following year.

Fremantle football manager Peter Bell, at the time of McCarthy’s 2020 delisting, said it was “mutually agreed” that he would depart ahead of his scheduled axing.

McCarthy returned to his WAFL club, South Fremantle on a two-year deal in November of 2020, but did not return to training after recording four touches in the season opener against West Perth.

As per Channel 9’s Tom Morris, the Dockers will be wearing black armbands tonight in tribute to the former forward.

Originally published as ‘Awful, sad’: Former AFL player Cam McCarthy dead at 29