No-one is more excited to see Cam McCarthy out on the footy field in Freo colours than Cam McCarthy himself.
Which is saying something, considering the positive feedback he’s been receiving from his performances on the training track.
The latest round of praise came earlier in the week, with McCarthy impressing assistant coach Michael Prior.
“He’s done all the training and ran well in the time trials, and he’s really adding something for us up forward,” Prior said.
Michael Walters also had some kind words for McCarthy, with Walters hopeful McCarthy can help bring the best out of everyone in Fremantle’s forward line.
“He’s a big strong forward and he’ll be good to help out Taberner as well,” Walters said.
“He’s played a few games and he’s kicked a few goals, and he’s that bigger, stronger body for 'Ballas' and me to crumb off.”
Ballantyne echoed the sentiments of Walters in a press-conference late last year, with the Fremantle stalwart saying McCarthy was a stand-out at training.
“I never realised how much of a good runner he was. He’s a machine runner with great skills, a good clunk and he’s got a bit of oomph in him too,” Ballantyne said.
It’s easy to forget that McCarthy is just 21. Growing up as a Freo fan, it’s no surprise that Ballantyne’s praise meant a lot to the emerging key forward.
“Obviously (Ballantyne’s) a highly regarded player in the whole AFL and the playing group,” McCarthy said.
“So it was great to hear that.”
It’s now been over a year since McCarthy played a game of AFL football. In 2015, he played 20 games and kicked 35 goals for Greater Western Sydney.
“I can’t wait. Having a year off footy was tough,” McCarthy said.
“But everything’s going really well at the moment and I can’t wait to have a run around with the boys and play some serious footy.”
