Footy is thrown into shock as AFL star Cam McCarthy dies aged just 29 after battling mental health issues during his career

Former Dockers, GWS star found at Perth residencePolice say McCarthy's death was not suspicious If you or anyone you know needs support, you can contact Lifeline on 131 114, or Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636

AFL star Cam McCarthy has died at the age of 29, throwing the footy world into mourning.

Emergency services, including paramedics and police, found the former Fremantle and GWS Giants forward when they were called to Lake Coogee in Perth's south around 6.15pm on Thursday.

'Upon arrival, it was confirmed a 29-year-old male was deceased,' police said in a statement.

'The death is being treated as non-suspicious. A report will be prepared for the coroner.'

McCarthy's battle with mental health issues was well documented through his AFL career, which spanned from 2014 to 2020.

Former AFL star Cam McCarthy (pictured) has died at the age of 29 in Perth under non-suspicious circumstances

The sudden death of McCarthy at such a young age has left footy fans shocked and in mourning

Fremantle Chief Executive Simon Garlick released a statement on Friday, saying: 'On behalf of everyone at the Fremantle Football Club, we extend our deepest sympathies to Cam's family at this unimaginably difficult time,' he said,

'His death is tragic, and to all of his family, friends and teammates, we extend our deepest condolences.

'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.

'Our thoughts are with Cam's family and his loved ones during this time.'

GWS have also issued a statement, reading: 'The GIANTS are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former player Cam McCarthy. We extend our deepest sympathies to the entire McCarthy family.'

The former forward famously walked out on the GWS Giants and sat out a season before continuing his career at Fremantle

McCarthy was drafted by the Giants with pick No.14 in 2013 and managed one game in his debut season.

He played a total of 49 games for the Fremantle Dockers and 21 games for GWS, having been drafted from South Fremantle.

South Fremantle also issued a tribute on Friday, posting: 'He will be dearly missed. The entire South Fremantle Football Club community offers condolences to the McCarthy family at this difficult time'.

Headlines followed when he left the Giants at the end of the 2015 season, choosing to sit out the last year of his contract before being traded to Fremantle.

McCarthy was granted indefinite leave by the Giants in January 2016 so he could be closer to family while he battled a mental health condition.

That came after he requested a trade to Fremantle during the 2015 trade period, which was denied by the Giants.

He went on to have a breakthrough season that year, kicking 35 goals, but did not play a single game in 2016.

McCarthy would go on to play another 49 games over four seasons with the Dockers, kicking 63 goals along the way.

He sent a scare through the Dockers squad in 2020 when he collapsed at training and was taken to hospital.

The Fremantle-born star was later diagnosed with epilepsy and although he was medically cleared to play, his contract was not renewed by the club at the end of the 2020 season.

He returned to South Fremantle in the WAFL for two seasons but would only go on to play 10 more matches in that time, and was unable to kick on when he tried to restart his stalled WAFL career in the reserves for South Fremantle in 2021.

In 2023 McCarthy had his licence suspended for 10 months after he was caught drink driving while more than eight times over the limit.

The 28-year-old registered a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) reading of 0.414 when stopped by Western Australia Police near Harvey, approximately 140 kilometres south of Perth.

McCarthy and his then-girlfriend Grace Collopy are pictured prior to his tragic death

The Fremantle-born star went on to play 49 games for the Dockers after finally getting traded

McCarthy's time at his hometown club ended towards the end of the 2020 season, when he got some shattering news from the team.

'We have been in discussions with Cam and his management about his future at Fremantle,' Dockers general manager Peter Bell said at the time.

'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.'

McCarthy (left) is pictured with former teammate Jeremy Cameron (right) during their time with the GWS Giants

The 29-year-old (right) was able to reignite his AFL career when he joined Nat Fyfe (left) and the Fremantle Dockers

The sudden death of the former GWS and Fremantle star has left footy fans in a state of deep shock.

'Not going to lie, this news has been really hard to take ... Can't imagine what his family and friends are going though,' one posted.

'Just horrendous news about Cam McCarthy, thinking about everyone around him and affected by this news,' added another.

'In disbelief right now, this is unbelievably sad to see. Talented footballer, I still vividly remember his 1st goal in Round 23 2014. 29 is way too young,' another stunned fan wrote.

McCarthy is the fourth Fremantle player to die young in the last eight years.

Shane Yarran was found dead in his Seville Grove home in 2018 after he died by suicide when he was just 28.

Harley Balic died in January 2022, days after his 25th birthday, after documented battles with drug addiction, anxiety and other mental health issues.

And Colin Sylvia was killed in a car accident at the age of just 32 in 2018.

The Dockers will will wear black armbands tonight during their match against Sydney at Perth Stadium.

Fans have proposed a standing ovation at the 23rd minute to honour McCarthy, who wore the No.23 on his Freo jersey.

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