Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir has disclosed that some players were on the verge of opting out of Friday night’s match against Sydney following the tragic passing of former teammate Cam McCarthy. McCarthy, who had previously played for both Fremantle and Greater Western Sydney, tragically passed away after being found unresponsive on Thursday night. Just 24 hours after this devastating news, McCarthy’s former teammates took to the field donning black armbands and observed a moment of silence, a gesture that visibly moved players like captain Alex Pearce and Nat Fyfe, who struggled to contain their emotions before the game.
The somber atmosphere persisted even after the match, with Pearce and Fyfe paying their respects by placing flowers in the goal square as a touching tribute to their late teammate. Longmuir, speaking after the match, acknowledged the immense difficulty the team had faced in the preceding 24 hours and expressed pride in their ability to compete under such trying circumstances. He highlighted the support network that rallied around those players who were particularly close to McCarthy, ensuring they felt supported in their decision whether or not to participate in the match.
The decision to make a late change to the team’s emergencies, substituting Ethan Hughes with Hugh Davies and receiving approval from the AFL, stemmed from concerns about players’ readiness to take the field. However, Longmuir clarified that postponing the game was never a consideration, emphasizing his pride in the players’ resilience despite their grief. Meanwhile, Sydney coach John Longmire paid tribute to McCarthy before addressing any questions during his press conference, acknowledging the profound sadness felt by those who knew the forward.
Longmuir refrained from attributing Friday night’s loss to Sydney to the emotional turmoil preceding the game, despite the significant score deficit. Instead, he pointed out positive aspects of the team’s performance and emphasized the importance of providing the players with ongoing support. Moving forward, Longmuir stressed the need for unity and mutual support within the team, ensuring that they navigate through difficult times together with a strong support system in place.