AFL world in mourning over ‘tragic’ death

The AFL world is in mourning after the shock death of former Fremantle and GWS Giants forward Cam McCarthy, who died in Perth aged 29.

A statement from Western Australia Police on Friday confirmed that he was found unresponsive by paramedics after they were called to Lake Coogee in Perth’s south on Thursday night

His death is not being treated as suspicious.

“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,” the statement said.

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

McCarthy played 70 AFL games and kicked 99 goals in a seven-year career with GWS and Fremantle and Dockers CEO Simon Garlick said he’d be remembered as someone who had a habit of making people smile and laugh.

“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.

“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.”

He was first 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. When the Giants blocked the move, McCarthy took time out of the game due to mental health issues.

He didn’t play a game in 2016 and was traded to Fremantle at the end of the season.

McCarthy’s death comes after another former player, Harley Balic, who was a teammate of McCarthy’s in 2017, became entwined in issues surrounding the AFL’s illicit drugs policy after his father suggested inaction contributed to his death.

The 2018 deaths of Shane Yarran, who played for Fremantle in 2016, and Colin Sylvia, who played for the Dockers in 2014 after several years at Melbourne, are other recent tragedies to hit former Fremantle players.

It’s understood the Dockers are planning to pay tribute to McCarthy ahead of the Friday night clash with Sydney.