WAFL 2024: Nathan Wilson praised for match-winning Peel Thunder performance after Cam McCarthy’s death

Nathan Wilson’s first goal on Saturday was marked by a tap of the black band on his bicep, an arm and a glance to the heavens and a fist to his heart. The former Fremantle defender, reinvented as a Peel Thunder forward, kicked three more to surge his ladder-leaders past Swan Districts on an emotionally-charged day, less than 48 hours after the death of Wilson’s former teammate and great mate Cam McCarthy. Tendai Mzungu, coaching the Thunder for the first time as cover for a sick Adam Read, heaped praise on Wilson for the way he handled a difficult day. McCarthy was found unresponsive at his home in Lake Coogee on Thursday. He played 12 league games for the Thunder during his time at Fremantle. Wilson is the Thunder’s unlikely leading-goalkicker and the competition’s third-most prolific forward. Peel finished round seven in first by percentage. “Nath Wilson had a really challenging 24-48 hours, for him to be able to perform the way he did today I think shows the character he is and in really challenging circumstances, I was proud of how he went,” Mzungu said. “He obviously spent time at GWS with him and has kept in contact with him. To be able to do what he did, under really emotional duress, we were really proud of how he was.” Mzungu said McCarthy had an influence on a number of players in his side and was proud of how his team lifted in their 14.4 (88) to 9.15 (69) victory. “Everyone deals with it differently. It’s really sad for everyone that was involved in Cam and the footy community, he was just a guy that was an energy giver, he was really kind, caring, really inquisitive sort of person,” he said. “When you lose someone like that, it takes its toll on people in some way. “Footy is the two hours where you get to play and it is a good distraction for a lot of guys and maybe it was a good thing to go out and play. “It was really sad and a bit of a challenge, but proud of the guys the way they were able to work their way through it and put in a big performance.” Neil Erasmus made another case for a Fremantle recall with 38 disposals and seven inside-50s for the Thunder. Mzungu praised Erasmus’ inside work, but he also took 11 marks in a balanced performance.