Fremantle’s Cam McCarthy has been diagnosed with epilepsy, with the forward receiving the diagnosis following his collapse at training on Wednesday 3 June. 

General manager of football Peter Bell said McCarthy was in good health and had commenced treatment. 

“Cam has undergone various tests with specialists and a neurologist. Recently, the neurologist advised that Cam has epilepsy,” Bell said. 

“This will mean that Cam has to undergo some treatment, which involves medication for a period of time.

“Cam’s working his way through that and the club will support him as well with our medical team.” 

McCarthy has since been on light duties at training and has been ruled out of Fremantle’s round two clash with Brisbane on Saturday, however Bell does not anticipate the diagnosis to affect McCarthy’s ability to play at the highest level.

“As far as football is concerned, Cam will continue to build to play,” Bell said.

“There’s no reason, according to the specialist, that he can’t continue to play AFL football. 

“Given the interruptions to his training program, he won’t be playing this weekend however he trained strongly on Thursday and took part in the match simulation.

“We’ll make an assessment depending on how he trains and how he’s feeling for next week.”

Bell said McCarthy was upbeat and focused on a return to football.

“Cam remains in good spirits, he’s always upbeat and has high energy,” Bell said.

“He’s going to take this in his stride with the support of his family and the football club. We’re sure that we’ll see Cam out there playing AFL really soon.

“Cam will continue to stay here in the high performance centre on the Gold Coast and train, interact and do his best at training and playing. It will be business as usual.”