Forward Cam McCarthy is on the lookout for an AFL lifeline after being told he is unwanted by Fremantle.
McCarthy was advised this week that he wouldn’t be offered a contract extension once his deal expires at the end of this season.
The 25-year-old sought an immediate release from the club and the Dockers obliged.
McCarthy, the No.14 pick from the 2013 national draft, was considered a star on the rise after booting 35 goals in 20 games for Greater Western Sydney in 2015 as a 20-year-old.
The 194cm West Australian sat out 2016 due to homesickness and he eventually joined his club of choice Fremantle at the end of that year.
However, McCarthy failed to fire at the Dockers, kicking 63 goals in 49 games across four seasons.
McCarthy played in Fremantle’s season opener this year as a wingman, but his career was put momentarily on hold when he collapsed at training in June.
He was later diagnosed with epilepsy and has been unable to force his way back into the senior side despite being given the green light to return.
McCarthy’s best chance of landing at a new club will be during the free agency period at the end of this year.
“We have been in discussions with Cam and his management about his future at Fremantle,” Dockers football operations manager Peter Bell said.
“We believed it was only fair to advise Cam as soon as possible that it was unlikely that he would have his contract extended beyond the end of the 2020 season.
“On that basis, Cam and his management discussed the situation with his family, and subsequently informed the club that he would like to seek an early release from his contract, which was mutually agreed to by all parties.”