Fremantle recruit Cam McCarthy is determined to earn the respect of his new teammates after joining the club from GWS on Tuesday.
McCarthy, who stood out of football for 12 months, said he was looking forward to beginning a new chapter in his career.
“I’m looking to getting stuck in and earning the respect of my new teammates and giving it a real hot crack,” he said.
“I just want to come in and earn the respect of the players and the coaches.”
The 2015 NAB Rising Star nominee said he was overwhelmed when he learnt the trade had been completed.
“It was overwhelming to find out I was finally a Fremantle Docker, a club I’ve supported since I was born,” McCarthy said.
“Sitting at home yesterday (I) got a call from (Fremantle’s general manager of list management) Brad Lloyd and … the feeling was pretty numbing.”
McCarthy lands at Fremantle
McCarthy was drafted with pick 14 by the Giants in 2013 and kicked 35 goals from 20 games last year.
The 21-year-old took time to thank the Giants for their support over the past twelve months.
“They’ve really helped me and the best thing to do from my point of view was to go back home and assess and regroup,” McCarthy said.
“They gave me an opportunity to play 20 games of footy and I will be forever grateful.”
Fremantle’s newest recruit met with coach Ross Lyon this morning and is eager to learn from him.
“I talked to Ross this morning and he seems like a terrific person,” McCarthy said.
“I can’t wait to learn a lot under him.”
McCarthy trained with South Fremantle during the 2016 WAFL season, working on skills and fitness.
“I did three times-a-week training at South Fremantle,” he said.
“It was more skill work and running and rehab stuff.”
After the 12-month layoff, McCarthy said he was keen to get a head start on Fremantle’s pre-season.
“There is obviously going to be a fair bit of work but I’m already starting to do a bit of training to try and get ahead of the pre-season,” he said.
“I’ve done a lot of gym work lately and got a bit stronger in my upper body and in my legs so I feel like I’ve got a bit more power when I’m running.”
McCarthy trained with Fremantle’s Nat Fyfe on Wednesday morning and said he was impressed with the Brownlow Medallist.
“I was lucky enough to train with Nat Fyfe this morning. He is an exceptional athlete,” he said.
The 193-centimetre key forward will help fill the void left by retired legend Matthew Pavlich and said he wouldn’t hesitate to ask advice from the 350 gamer.
“If he’s ever coming around the club I will hit him up for a bit of advice,” McCarthy said.
