5 replies to this topic

[Geoff]

PORT Adelaide has confirmed midfielder John McCarthy has died in Las Vegas.

McCarthy had left for a holiday with a group of Power players on Saturday.

Flamingo Hotel and Casino spokeswomen Debbie Munch confirmed to AFL.com.au a man was found unresponsive on the hotel's south driveway at 5.40am on Sunday, local time.



"He was transported to the University Medical Center of Las Vegas, where he was pronounced deceased," Munch said.

Port Adelaide players who had remained in Adelaide were called to the club's Alberton headquarters on Monday to be told the news.

The club said it was in contact with members of the travelling group and was working with US authorities while investigations continued.

Football manager Peter Rohde was on his way to the US to be with the players.

McCarthy, 22, joined Port Adelaide from Collingwood at the end of 2011 through the NAB AFL Pre-season Draft.

He played 21 games in a solid debut season with the Power after 18 matches, including three finals, in four seasons at Collingwood.

McCarthy was an emergency in Collingwood's 2010 Grand Final replay team and left the club at the end of last season seeking further opportunities.

McCarthy's brother Matthew and father Shane played for Geelong, and his grandfather Alan Olle played for St Kilda.

Uncles Bernie and Gavan also played for North Melbourne.

He was recruited from Sorrento and Dandenong Stingrays by Collingwood with selection No.31 in the 2007 NAB AFL Draft.

Respected at Collingwood for his attack on the ball and his laid back nature, he was in and out of the side during four seasons but his ability was never questioned.

He had established himself in the Port Adelaide line-up as part of an emerging midfield.

[Geoff]

Truely a sad day for footy and for all of McCarthy's famiily and friends. Rest in peace John

[Chiddy]

Horrible news. Football takes a back seat when tragedies occur. Thoughts and prayers with McCarthy's family and friends in this tough time.
RIP

[Forbinator]

This is upsetting and tragic especially for anyone involved with Port or Collingwood.

[DangerPanda]

Absolutely terrible. I dont know what everyone else thinks but to me AFL footy players are invincible but life is fickle and ya never know when your times up. RIP John

[Sharky]

RIP John, A sad day for footy