Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir has revealed some gamers had been unsure to characteristic in Friday evening’s 48-point AFL loss to Sydney following the sudden demise of former Docker Cam McCarthy.
McCarthy died on the age of 29 on Thursday evening, with Fremantle gamers left rocked when the news broke on Friday morning.
A tribute to McCarthy was held earlier than Friday evening’s match, with veterans resembling Nat Fyfe, Luke Ryan and Alex Pearce combating again tears as they remembered their good good friend.
After the match, Fyfe and Pearce laid down flowers within the goalsquare to commemorate McCarthy, who performed 49 video games for the Dockers between 2017-2020 after beginning his profession at GWS.
In the hours main as much as the match, Fremantle made a change to their emergencies checklist by including key defender Hugh Davies as defensive cowl.
Davies wasn’t required ultimately, however Longmuir revealed the transfer so as to add him to the emergency checklist was made because of the prospect of gamers pulling out of the match within the wake of McCarthy’s demise.
“We had players that were very close not playing, so I’m proud of the way they went out and competed in difficult circumstances,” Longmuir mentioned after the 13.9 (87) to 4.15 (39) loss.
“Some of our players have known Cam for a long period of time and continued those relationships post him playing for us.
“(Football boss) Joe Brierty did an amazing job getting round those that we knew had been near Cam, visiting these guys and ensuring that they felt protected to make a name whether or not they needed to play or not.
“I’m really proud of the way the club came together, put our arms around those who are hurting and I was really proud of those players for going out there and competing the way they did.”
Longmuir mentioned it was essential for the participant group to stay united and linked whereas they mourn McCarthy’s passing.
“We need to make sure we do things together,” Longmuir mentioned.
“Make sure we keep checking in on each other, make sure that the players that are affected have got the multiple avenues that they feel comfortable with and can go to.
“This is why you play group sports activities … so you’ll be able to undergo the powerful occasions collectively and you have folks to lean on, and that is what trademark and connection is all about.
“So we need to stand true in these difficult moments.”
Friday evening’s loss left Fremantle with a 5-4 document heading into subsequent week’s conflict with St Kilda at Marvel Stadium.
Longmuir expects ruckman Sean Darcy (tight calf) to return towards the Saints.
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Source: www.perthnow.com.au
