Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir says his gamers are “ holding up nicely” per week after the tragic lack of former teammate Cam McCarthy and referred to as on the AFL trade to “do extra” to take care of former gamers in want.
Dockers gamers together with twin Brownlow medallist Nat Fyfe had tears of their eyes throughout a pre-game tribute to McCarthy earlier than final week’s 48-point loss to Sydney, the match performed simply 24 hours after the previous Fremantle and GWS participant’s demise, aged simply 29.
The ache was felt past the Dockers, with West Coast star Tom Barrass posting a touching tribute to his shut pal, having additionally performed final weekend within the wake of his demise.
“Males like these are arduous to come back by,” Barrass wrote on Instagram.
“So full of affection, kindness and laughter. However that’s why they’re so particular, and the teachings they train final a lifetime.
“I’m gonna miss you Common Brother.”
On Wednesday Longmuir, days out from his gamers needing to go well with up once more in opposition to St Kilda, stated the McCarthy scenario might function a possibility to focus on how far more work everybody within the AFL might do to keep away from comparable incidents.
McCarthy was the fourth former Docker to have died up to now six years, following the passing of Colin Sylvia, Shane Yarran and Harley Balic, all in equally tragic circumstances after their AFL careers ended prematurely.
“We are able to all the time do extra,” Longmuir stated.
“The Cam scenario ought to deliver it to the forefront, and extra discussions needs to be needed to see if we will enhance.
“From private experiences, I do know the AFLPA (AFL Gamers Affiliation) supply a whole lot of sources and a whole lot of providers for previous gamers.
“The dialogue needs to be round how we will get these previous gamers utilizing these providers, and ensuring their wellbeing and well being post-footy stays actually vibrant.”
The Fremantle squad received collectively on Saturday night to mourn the lack of McCarthy as a gaggle and begin their therapeutic course of.
Longmuir stated the membership had additionally offered assist to the gamers, within the hope they might stability the tragedy with the necessity to give attention to soccer this weekend.
“They’re holding up nicely. They’re supporting one another,” Longmuir stated.
“The membership has put issues in place to allow them to attain out.
“We’ve received to discover a stability now. We’re into a brand new week, a brand new prep, and we’ve to refocus and are available again collectively and provides our greatest week of prep this week for St Kilda.
“That course of has began.”
