Cam McCarthy’s shattered coach sends the AFL a warning after the footy star’s tragic death aged 29

Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir says the football industry can do more to help past players following the tragic death of Cam McCarthy at the age of 29.

McCarthy, who started his career at GWS before playing 49 games for Fremantle between 2017 and 2020, died in Perth last Thursday.

Fremantle captain Alex Pearce, Nat Fyfe and Luke Ryan were among the current Dockers players who were particularly close to McCarthy.

Pearce and Fyfe had tears in their eyes during a tribute to McCarthy before the 48-point loss to Sydney last week.

The Fremantle squad gathered on Saturday evening to mourn the loss of McCarthy as a group.

McCarthy was the fourth former Docker to die in the past six years, following the deaths of Colin Sylvia, Shane Yarran and Harley Balic.

Last month, Eddie Balic – Harley Balic’s father – blamed the AFL for his son’s death at the age of 25.

Eddie Balic said the family should have been informed of his son’s substance abuse problems, rather than kept secret under the AFL’s controversial medical model.

Longmuir believes the league has done some good things to help current and former players with mental health, but says more can be done.

“We can always do more,” Longmuir told reporters on Wednesday.

“The Cam situation should bring this to the forefront, and more discussions should take place to see if we can make improvements.

The death of McCarthy (pictured) was incredibly hard on the Dockers, especially for stars Alex Pearce, Nat Fyfe and Luke Ryan

“I know from personal experience that the AFLPA (AFL Players Association) provides many resources and services to former players.

‘The discussion should be about how we can get past players to use these services, and how we can ensure that their wellbeing and health remains truly vibrant after football.’

West Coast defender Tom Barrass, a close friend of McCarthy, posted a moving tribute to the former Docker.

“Men like this are hard to find,” Barrass wrote on Instagram.

‘So full of love, kindness and laughter.

‘But that’s why they’re so special and the lessons they learn last a lifetime.

The 29-year-old (pictured center) played 49 games and scored 63 goals for Fremantle during his four-season spell at the club

Earlier this week, McCarthy’s childhood friend and fellow AFL star Tom Barrass (pictured together) wrote a heartbreaking tribute to his amazing friend

‘I’m going to miss you Universal Brother.

“Say hi to the big guy on my behalf and put in a good word, please.”

Fremantle are back in action on Saturday evening when they take on St Kilda at Marvel Stadium.

Dockers players were clearly affected by McCarthy’s death in the loss to Sydney, and it remains to be seen how they will fare against the Saints.

‘They are holding up well. They support each other,” Longmuir said.

“The club has set things up so they can get in touch.

‘We now have to find a balance. We’re going into a new week, a new preparation, and we have to refocus and come back together and give this week our best week of preparation for St Kilda.

“That process has begun.”

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