Former Fremantle and GWS player Cam McCarthy has died aged 29

Former Docker and Giant Cam McCarthy is being remembered as a ‘popular, compassionate and caring person’ after being found dead at age 29.

Cam McCarthy played 70 AFL games – 21 of them for GW

Former AFL star Cam McCarthy, who played 70 games for Fremantle and Greater Western Sydney, has died in Perth.

Police confirmed on Friday that the much-loved forward was found at his home on Thursday evening.

He was just 29.

“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,” WA Police said in a statement.

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

Some of McCarthy’s family were believed to be overseas when he died but were informed before police released the news.

It is understood his parents were returning from a holiday in the state’s north west after being told.

Cam McCarthy celebrating a goal for Dockers in 2019. Picture: Richard Wainwright

In a statement Fremantle said the club was deeply saddened by the news.

“On behalf of everyone at the Fremantle Football Club, we extend our deepest sympathies to Cam’s family at this unimaginably difficult time,” Chief Executive Simon Garlick said.

“Cam came to the club from Greater Western Sydney in 2016 and played 49 games for Fremantle after initially being drafted from South Fremantle.

“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.”

South Fremantle Football Club, the WAFL club he was originally recruited from, said on Friday that “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 and Eagle Tom Barrass during a Western Derby.

South Fremantle sources said McCarthy was always a popular figure around their football club but had drifted away from the club over the past 18 months despite ongoing friendships with senior members of the player group.

It is understood the news also rocked West Coast defender Tom Barrass who had come through the WA junior development pathways alongside McCarthy and had retained a close friendship with him.

McCarthy had been working as an electrician following his AFL career, sources close to the family said.

He played six AFL seasons, kicking 99 goals across his career.

However, his time at the elite level was interrupted with mental health issues and a battle with epilepsy.

McCarthy was selected at pick 14 in the 2013 draft with the Giants having high hopes for the forward.

He kicked 35 goals in a standout 2015 season with the Giants but then asked to be traded back to WA.

He pulled out of the 2016 season after his trade request was refused but ended up at Fremantle in 2017.

McCarthy training with South Fremantle in 2016. Picture: Paul Kane/Getty Images

McCarthy was drafted at pick 14 in 2013. Picture: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images

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.

Balic had a battle with substance abuse before he died, which raised questions about the AFL’s illicit drug policy.

Independent MP Andrew Wilkie released a series of documents under parliamentary privilege in March which alleged the AFL had an off the books drug testing system to avoid penalising players.

Sports Integrity Australia has been investigating those claims.

Balic’s father Eddie told this masthead last month: “I believe that the AFL has a duty of care to formally intervene early into young vulnerable players who have been identified as having substance abuse issues.

“I also feel that had better support been put in place early for my son, it may have prevented this tragic outcome.”

The Dockers will wear black armbands for Friday night’s game in tribute to the former forward.

There will be a moment’s silence at 6.32pm before the bounce at 6.33pm.

Originally published as Former Fremantle and GWS player Cam McCarthy has died aged 29