Former AFL Star Cam McCarthy Passes Away at 29
Cam McCarthy, a former AFL player known for his time with the Fremantle Dockers and GWS Giants, has died at the age of 29. McCarthy was found by police and paramedics at a property in southern Perth on May 9. His family released a tribute on Thursday, expressing their grief and remembering him fondly.
McCarthy's AFL career began with the Giants, who drafted him with pick No. 14 in 2013. He played one game in his debut season and continued with the Giants until 2015, amassing 21 games. He then moved to the Dockers, where he played 49 games from 2017 to 2020.
McCarthy's career was marked by a well-publicized battle with mental health issues. In 2015, he requested a trade to Fremantle to be closer to family, but the Giants denied it. Despite taking indefinite leave in 2016, he returned to play for the Dockers the following year. His career faced another hurdle in 2020 when he collapsed at training and was diagnosed with epilepsy.
After his AFL career, McCarthy played for South Fremantle in the WAFL but struggled to regain his form, playing only 10 matches in two seasons.
Tributes from family, friends, and former teammates have poured in, highlighting McCarthy's vibrant personality and the deep loss felt by his passing.