Fremantle’s Bailey Banfield said that Cam McCarthy’s hard work during the pre-season didn’t go unnoticed by the playing group.
After kicking 25 and 19 goals in his first two seasons at Fremantle, McCarthy welcomed the 2019 season in style with an equal career-best haul of five majors against North Melbourne on Sunday at Optus Stadium.
Banfield said he wouldn’t be surprised to see McCarthy continue to take his game to another level.
“Cam was on fire in the first half especially, but he was still really unselfish as well,” Banfield said.
“He could have gone for another goal in the third quarter but he centred it. We love to see that.
“He’s put in a massive summer. He’s come back leaner, stronger and really committed to our program and he got the benefit of that today.
“Hopefully, it’s a really big year for him and this is just the start.”
Banfield also liked what he saw first hand from fellow forward Lachie Schultz on debut.
Both Banfield and Schultz are 21 and arrived at Fremantle as mature aged recruits, with Banfield drafted in 2017 as a rookie and Schultz coming in via pick no.57 in the NAB AFL National Draft.
Banfield said Schultz looked the part at AFL level, kicking two goals on debut to go with his 17 disposals and six marks.
“Lachie kicking two goals on debut, that was awesome” Banfield said.
“He played his style of footy which is bringing that pressure. His first goal was a special moment for me as well, as I was able to kick him that mark that he took to get his first goal.
“Hopefully, that goal will be something he remembers for as long as he plays footy.”
