Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir revealed some players were hesitant to feature in Friday night’s 48-point AFL loss to Sydney following the sudden death of former Docker Cam McCarthy.
McCarthy died at the age of 29 on Thursday night, and Fremantle players were shocked when the news broke on Friday morning.
A tribute to McCarthy was held before Friday night’s game, with veterans such as Nat Fyfe, Luke Ryan and Alex Pearce fighting back tears as they remembered their good friend.
After the match, Fyfe and Pearce laid flowers at the goal to commemorate McCarthy, who played 49 games for the Dockers between 2017 and 2020 after starting his career at GWS.
In the hours before the match, Fremantle made one change to their emergency list by adding key defender Hugh Davies as defensive cover.
Cam McCarthy’s former teammates cried during minute of silence
Coach Justin Longmuir said some players were so excited they were almost pulled from the AFL clash against the Sydney Swans.
In the end, Davies was not needed, but Longmuir revealed that the decision to add him to the emergency list was made due to the possibility of players withdrawing from the match in the wake of McCarthy’s death.
“We had players who were very close and not playing, so I’m proud of the way they came out and competed in difficult circumstances,” Longmuir said after the 13.9 (87) to 4.15 (39) defeat.
‘Some of our players have known Cam for a long time and continued those relationships after he played for us.
‘(Boss of football) Joe Brierty did a great job of rounding up those we knew were close to Cam, visiting them and making sure they felt confident in making a decision whether they wanted to play or not.
“I’m very proud of the way the club came together, embraced those who were suffering and I was very proud of those players for going out and competing the way they did.”
Nat Fyfe and McCarthy were good friends and his death hit the Dockers champion hard
A tribute to McCarthy was placed on the goal before the match against the Swans
The Dockers were thrashed on the field as they struggled to come to terms with their loss.
Longmuir said it was important for the group of players to remain united and connected as they mourn McCarthy’s passing.
“We need to make sure we do things together,” Longmuir said.
“Make sure we continue to monitor each other, that affected players have multiple avenues they are comfortable with and can turn to.”
“That’s why you play team sports… so you can get through the tough times together and have people to lean on, and that’s what trademarking and connection is all about.”
“That is why we must remain faithful in these difficult times.”
Friday night’s defeat left Fremantle with a 5-4 record heading into next week’s clash against St Kilda at Marvel Stadium.
Longmuir expects ruckman Sean Darcy (tight calf) to return against the Saints.
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