'Only fair': Major shock as AFL player quits on the spot
Fremantle Dockers forward Cam McCarthy has quit the club after learning he would not be offered a contract beyond the 2020 AFL season.
McCarthy, who cost Fremantle pick three in the 2016 draft when they traded for him from the GWS Giants, won the club’s goalkicking tally in 2017, but has otherwise failed to fire since returning to his home state of WA.
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The 25-year-old has played just 70 games in six seasons thanks to a combination of injuries and other setbacks, booting 99 goals that time.
He has played just one AFL game this season, back in round one.
The Dockers have two more games scheduled in Perth before they depart for the Queensland hub, where they will see out the season - but McCarthy won’t be joining them.
Fremantle confirmed the news in a statement posted on Thursday night.
“The club, Cam and his management have mutually agreed that Cam be released from his AFL playing contract for 2020,” general manager of football Peter Bell wrote.
“We have been in discussions with Cam and his management about his future at Fremantle.
“We believed it was only fair to advise Cam as soon as possible that it was unlikely that he would have his contract extended beyond the end of the 2020 season.
“On that basis, Cam and his management discussed the situation with his family, and subsequently informed the club that he would like to seek an early release from his contract, which was mutually agreed to by all parties.
Cam McCarthy has quit Fremantle.
He was told he wouldn’t be offered a contract for next year.
More soon @agerealfooty— Sam McClure (@sam_mcclure) August 20, 2020
“Cam is very popular with our members and supporters, and on behalf of everyone at the club, we thank him for the contribution he made during his four seasons at Fremantle.
“We also wish Cam all the very best for his future endeavours and the next stage of his career.”
Cam McCarthy departs after eventful AFL season
McCarthy’s departure from Fremantle comes a couple of months after a scary incident at training, where he collapsed while taking part in a skills session.
The West Australian was taken to hospital by ambulance, returning to training the following day.
After that, the club later confirmed McCarthy had been diagnosed with epilepsy.
“Cam has undergone various tests with specialists and a neurologist. Recently, the neurologist advised that Cam has epilepsy,” Bell confirmed at the time.
“This will mean that Cam has to undergo some treatment, which involves medication for a period of time.
“Cam’s working his way through that and the club will support him as well with our medical team.”
McCarthy played 41 games for Fremantle, leading their goalkicking in 2017 before several injury interrupted seasons derailed him.
The 25-year-old’s departure leaves the Dockers with even more work to do on their forward line, with fellow boom recruit Jesse Hogan also enduring a mixed start to his career with Fremantle.
