Life-long Fremantle fan Cam McCarthy was delighted to play a key role as Fremantle ran out 82-point winners against North Melbourne in the club’s 25-year anniversary game.
McCarthy was born the day Fremantle played their first game in the AFL on 1 April 1995 and almost 25 years later, he delivered a five-goal performance on Sunday at Optus Stadium.
He said it meant a lot to be able to play as the club commemorated its 25th AFL season, including wearing a special 25-year jumper.
“To get a win like that on the 25th anniversary, that backs our supporters who came out in numbers,” McCarthy said.
“It’s really positive to get a win like that when we haven’t won like that in a while, so there are a lot of positives to take from the game.
“The fans were massive. It was really loud out there. They really get us up so we’re really appreciative of the Purple Army and we thank them for coming out.”
Cam's fifth #AFLFreoNorth #foreverfreo pic.twitter.com/haSIuB2J2b
— Fremantle Dockers (@freodockers) March 24, 2019
McCarthy said he feels that the whole playing group came together in the pre-season.
“It’s been a long summer, we put in a real tough effort and we got better as a club,” McCarthy said.
“We’ve really enjoyed each other’s company while getting through those tough sessions.
“I think the whole club is really bonding, so it’s really special to get a win like that.
“Everyone played their role today. We just wanted to chase and pressure the ball carrier and we felt we did that. I think everyone was terrific today and it was a trademark effort.
“It’s a long season so we have a long way to go and we’ll turn to next week against Gold Coast really quickly.”