Leon Cameron says he won’t give up hope Cam McCarthy will return to GWS until trade deal is done

GWS coach Leon Cameron says he won’t lose hope of keeping forward Cam McCarthy until a trade deal has been sealed.

GWS coach Leon Cameron says he won’t lose hope of keeping forward Cam McCarthy until a trade deal has been sealed.

McCarthy has not played a game this season since he was granted indefinite leave by the Giants in January to return home to Perth to be closer to family as he battles a mental health condition.

The promising forward, who kicked 35 goals in a breakout season last year, requested a trade to Fremantle during last year’s trade period but the Giants refused to do a deal despite the Dockers offering two first round draft picks.

Cameron says he’s been holding onto hope the 193cm forward will stay but says it’s warming to know McCarthy is on the improve.

Cameron McCarthy had a breakout season in 2015. Picture: Michael Klein

Both the Dockers and West Coast have signalled interested in trading for the 21-year-old during this year’s trade period.

“There’s no doubt the two Perth clubs are going to be interested in him,” Cameron said.

“I’ve always held a one per cent chance that we could hold onto him and I’ll continue to hold onto that until a deal is done.

GWS: McCARTHY GRANTED LEAVE BY GIANTS

DENIED: McCARTHY’S RUNNER REQUEST BLOCKED BY AFL

“But it’s really good that he’s enjoying life again, and he’s got a little bit of passion back to play the game of AFL again one day.

“Whether that’s at our footy club or whether it’s at one of the WA clubs, we’ll determine that half way through October.”

McCarthy has been training with WAFL club South Fremantle to keep his fitness levels up but a bid to act as a runner for the second-tier club was denied by the AFL in May.

Cameron McCarthy has been training with WAFL club South Fremantle. Picture: Getty

Cameron says McCarthy is “feeling pretty good” and has undertaken some part-time work during his time away from the game.

“He’s done a fair bit work down at South Freo which is great for his mind,” Cameron said.

“He’s feeling pretty good about himself, he’s doing a bit of part-time work.

“There’s no doubt having mum and dad, and some people in his life just to help him through the issues he’s had over the past nine months, has helped him.”

Originally published as Leon Cameron says he won’t give up hope Cam McCarthy will return to GWS until trade deal is done