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He stood out of football in 2016 before being traded to the Dockers at the end of that season, and he played 49 games as a key forward for the club in the next four years. He had grown up a Dockers fan and was born on the day of the club’s first AFL game.
His time at the Dockers ended just before the completion of the 2020 season, when he was told he would not have his contract extended.
McCarthy was diagnosed with epilepsy after collapsing at Dockers’ training midway through that season.
The talented forward won the Dockers’ goalkicking in 2017 with 25 goals and showed his talent as a marking forward who was an accurate kick.
Dockers CEO Simon Garlick said in a statement that McCarthy’s death was tragic.
“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,” Garlick said.
Cam McCarthy in his AFL draft year.Credit: Tony Ashby
“Our thoughts are with Cam’s family and his loved ones during this time.”
McCarthy struggled to meet the demands of a professional career in the AFL, and played two more seasons with South Fremantle in the WAFL, having been part of the club’s zone as a South Coogee junior.
He had lost his licence for 10 months in June last year, when police charged him with driving with a blood alcohol reading of 0.414.
South Fremantle said in a statement that they were deeply saddened by his death and offered condolences to his family.
“Cam is remembered as not just a prodigious football talent but as a popular, compassionate and caring person who had time for everyone at our club. He will be dearly missed.”
McCarthy is the third player from the Dockers 2017 list to have died since leaving the club. Shane Yarran died in 2018 and Harley Balic in 2022.
Former Melbourne and Dockers player Colin Sylvia also died in a car accident in 2018 having been with the club in 2014 after joining as a free agent. Sylvia retired from the AFL early in 2015.