Cam McCarthy’s death rocks AFL: Magpie Lachie Schultz’s heartfelt tribute for former teammate

Former teammates are among those sharing heartfelt tributes to Cam McCarthy following the tragic news of his passing.

McCarthy was found unresponsive in a Perth home on Thursday night. He was just 29.

The talented forward played 70 games for Fremantle and Greater Western Sydney across his career, with both clubs releasing statements on Friday.

McCarthy is the latest in a string of sad deaths of Fremantle footballers before the age of 30.

Former forward Shane Yarran was founded dead in 2018 aged only 28, while Harley Balic died aged only 25 in January 2022.

Colin Sylvia also died in October of 2018 in a car crash aged 32, having played six games for Fremantle in 2014 after 157 at Melbourne.

Dockers defender Luke Ryan wrote “Love you brother rest easy” on social media, while Brennan Cox labelled McCarthy as “one of the best, most genuine humans”.

Sam Switkowski, Caleb Serong, Bailey Banfield and Sebit Kuek also shared tributes to Instagram.

Blake Acres, Brad Hill, Darcy Tucker, Griffin Logue and Liam Henry were among the former Dockers to share their heartbreak.

Henry wrote “rest easy brother” while Logue said he was “simply an all timer”.

Collingwood forward and ex-Docker Lachie Schultz shared a heartfelt message, writing: “The light in every room, I love you brother”.

McCarthy’s former GWS teammate, Essendon midfielder Dylan Shiel said: “You will be missed mate”.

Ex-Docker and Sydney defender Joel Hamling posted a tribute, writing “RIP brother. Gone too soon”.

The West Australian-born footballer played 70 AFL games and kicked 99 goals for his two clubs, who both expressed shock and sadness at his passing.

“His death is tragic and to all of his family, friends and teammates, we extend our deepest condolences,” Fremantle’s chief executive Simon Garlick said.

“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.”

GWS chief executive David Matthews said news of McCarthy’s death had a “profound impact on many current and former Giants players and staff”.

“Cam had great energy and was a much-loved member of our club for the seasons he was here,” Matthews said.

“He was very popular and a bright footballing talent. We extend our deepest sympathies to the entire McCarthy family and his many friends.”

AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon said he was deeply saddened by the death of McCarthy, who was drafted by GWS with pick No.14 in 2013.

He played 21 games for the Giants before leaving the Sydney club at the end of the 2015 season, citing mental health issues and homesickness.

After failing to engineer a trade to Fremantle for the 2016 season, McCarthy stood out of AFL football before being picked up by the Dockers.

The talented forward played 49 games for Fremantle in four seasons from 2017 before being delisted in what the club and player described as a mutual decision at the end of 2020.

During his last season in the AFL system, McCarthy was diagnosed with epilepsy after collapsing at training.

Last year, McCarthy was caught drink driving eight times over the legal alcohol limit near Harvey, in the South West. He blew 0.414 and was fined $2500 and had his licence disqualified for 10 months.

WA Premier Roger Cook said McCarthy’s death was “unbelievably sad”.

“This is someone who we understand died in non-suspicious circumstances so our heart goes out to that family and (his) friends who must be really hurting today,” he said.

“I also want to acknowledge the pain that the Fremantle Football Club will be feeling today.

“As we know, every elite sportsperson has a range of pressures in their lives and when they move on from their sporting careers those pressures remain, and this is a really sad day.”

AFL Players Association chief executive Paul Marsh also offered support to McCarthy’s family and friends.

“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,” Marsh said.

Fremantle Dockers will wear black armbands for their game against Sydney Swans at Optus Stadium tonight in a tribute to the forward.

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