Docker recruit McCarthy ‘relieved’ move home finally happened

FREMANTLE recruit Cam McCarthy has expressed relief after the Dockers were able to bring the tall forward home.

The 21-year-old spent three years on Greater Western Sydney’s books after being selected by the Giants in the 2013 draft.

McCarthy had aimed to return home via the 2015 trade period, but with a deal between the Dockers and Giants unable to be done he spent a large chunk of 2016 training with WAFL club South Fremantle.

Yesterday the Dockers announced they had finally secured the forward’s services after agreeing to exchange pick three in the upcoming AFL draft for McCarthy and GWS’s picks seven, 34 and 72.

McCarthy said the previous 12 months had been a “pretty tough period” but he was feeling good to have the deal done.

“It’s overwhelming to tell you the truth,” he said.

“I was sitting at home yesterday and got a call from (Fremantle list manager) Brad Lloyd and the feeling was pretty numbing.

“I had a bit of a tear. It’s been a long year and I’m just so excited now to get to the club and meet a few of the boys.”

Despite being given time away from the Giants – a move McCarthy thanked his former club for allowing – he said there was little temptation to return to Sydney, even with them powering to within a win of this year’s grand final.

With a three-year contract secured with the Dockers, his attention has turned to preparing for 2017.

“I’m already starting to do a bit of training now to get ahead on the preseason and then hopefully have a good first block,” he said.

“I’m looking forward to smashing the first block, getting to Christmas and then (I’ll) reassess and regroup and have a good second half of the preseason.”