Cam McCarthy’s reputation as having the potential be one of the AFL’s best young forwards will mean nothing when he steps out for pre-season training at new club Fremantle.

He knows his 21 games and 36 goals in two seasons at Greater Western Sydney is ancient history having not played in 2016 due to mental health issues.

“It’s like starting again when you are first drafted,” McCarthy told the Fremantle website.

“I can’t wait to earn respect from everyone and give everything.”

The 21-year-old sat out this season after heading home to Perth, citing homesickness and struggles with the demands of the game.

McCarthy, who notes he was born on the same day Fremantle’s first AFL game in on April 1, 1995, supported the club as a kid.

“It has been a long year watching footy every week,” he said.

“But I couldn’t be more excited to get back on the list and … give it a real crack next year.”

His trade involved the Dockers giving up pick No.3 in the national draft.

In return, they receive McCarthy plus picks seven, 34 and 72.

The Giants knocked back Fremantle’s efforts to recruit McCarthy, a WA native, a year ago.