WAFL 2024: South Fremantle dig deep to beat Subiaco days after tragic death of former Bulldog Cam McCarthy

South Fremantle coach Todd Curley hopes their thrilling seven-point win over Subiaco puts a smile on the faces of the friends and family of the late Cam McCarthy. The Bulldogs produced their fifth-consecutive victory with a 12.7 (79) to 10.12 (72) result over last year’s preliminary finalists in the Lions at Sullivan Logistics Stadium on Saturday amid the turmoil of losing their former teammate less than 48 hours before. It was a result that gives proves South Fremantle are a genuine premiership threat after missing the finals last season. The win may have been more special given the circumstances surrounding the club as they mourn McCarthy, who came through their system in the colts and played 10 games between 2021 and 2022 after he left Fremantle. “It’s been a tough couple of days for a lot of people but not as tough for Cam’s family and close friends,” Curley said. “We’ve got some people who had a close relationship with him, and it’s been a tough couple of days. “I thought the boys dug in late and were hopeful if his family or anyone that’s close to Cam looks at the score maybe it puts a smile on their face for a little while.” The Bulldogs have improved immensely in 2024 on the back of adding several key recruits and the return of Sandover medallist Haiden Schloithe. Curley’s men have already winning five games having only won six all of last year and are now one of the premiership fancies. Scarily, Curley predicts the Bulldogs can get even better as the season goes on and they build on their chemistry. “We’ve got a lot of new players, returning players, others from different clubs and some real young blokes who haven’t played much so we think we’ll get better the longer the year goes,” Curley said. “We want to win and be competitive as early as we can and winning games early is always important because as it gets tighter towards the back end it gets cut-throat. Early wins are worth their weight in gold. “The most pleasing thing is we think the connection within the group will only improve and hopefully our performances will improve and become more consistent as well.” The Bulldogs will get a test of their credentials when they take on ladder-leaders Peel Thunder as well as reigning premiers and arch-rivals East Fremantle after the state game bye next weekend.