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Yahoo
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Eagles recruit made to regret his old fan-boy messages
New West Coast recruit Tom McCarthy has gone from stacking shelves at Woolworths to being on an AFL list, but there's some old fan-boy messages that are already coming back to haunt him. McCarthy was one of the feel-good stories of the AFL's mid-season rookie draft, the 24-year-old selected at pick No.1 by the Eagles to cap a meteoric rise over the past few years. The speedy half-back had never been a part of an elite junior pathway, and until two years ago was playing division two football for Highett in the Southern Football Netball League. McCarthy joined Richmond's VFL program last year, and his progression was so rapid the Eagles had no hesitation in pouncing on him with their prized No.1 pick. The Victorian had never even visited Perth before, and he was welcomed with open arms by his new Eagles teammates when he flew in on Thursday. But a bonding dinner that night with Eagles players uncovered something slightly embarrassing - McCarthy's old fan messages to new teammate Jayden Hunt. McCarthy grew up adoring the Melbourne Demons, listing the likes of David Neitz, Brad Green and Russell Robertson as some of his idols, as well as current superstar Christian Petracca. But he also had plenty of love for Hunt, who played 114 games for Melbourne between 2016 and 2022 before joining West Coast. "There's a few photos and messages that I sent him back in the day as a fan," McCarthy said with a laugh. "There's a joke going around at the moment that my favourite player was Jayden Hunt back when he was at Melbourne, so there's been a bit of laughter about that. "I can't remember what I texted him, but I used to love he had his headband ... and he used to love his choccie milk. He made it a big thing, so it would have been about that." What a story for Tom reaching the to have you as an Eagle 👏 — West Coast Eagles (@WestCoastEagles) May 28, 2025 McCarthy, who will play for West Coast's WAFL side on Saturday, has been working in a marketing company for the past six months. Before that, he spent more than six years at Woolworths. For most of his football career, McCarthy has been told he is too skinny and not good enough to make it to the elite level. He used that criticism as extra motivation to achieve his dreams. "To go from waking up early stacking shelves ... to being footy full-time now is a very good thing for me, and I"m so excited," McCarthy said. "For me, coming in as a 24-year-old, already working through some not fantastic jobs, I definitely know I won't take this for granted. "I'm so glad I'm not sitting at a desk anymore."
Herald Sun
20-05-2025
- Sport
- Herald Sun
Every nomination, top prospects for the 2025 AFL mid-season rookie draft
Don't miss out on the headlines from AFL. Followed categories will be added to My News. Players have until this Wednesday to put themselves into the draft pool. Only players who nominated for last year's national draft, were delisted by an AFL club or have played three state league matches can nominate. Included in the 69 players on a list sent out to clubs is 10-game ex-North Melbourne defender Blake Drury, former No.23 draft pick to ex-Gold Coast backman Jez McLennan and former Geelong rookie pick Cooper Whyte. Noah Yze, the son of Melbourne star turned Richmond coach Adem, nominated, as did Harper and Louie Montgomery, sons of Port Adelaide premiership player Brett. Richmond VFL jet Tom McCarthy is expected to be picked up and has nominated for an 18-month contract. Players can nominate for six month or 18-month terms, with one of 11 players to do so. Hopefuls like ruck Brayden Crossley, Richmond VFL gun Massimo Raso, developing defender Charlie McCartin and bolter Rod Ali are not on the list, but still have time to nominate. Pending more major injuries this week, up to 13 picks could be available for the draft on May 28. Clubs have to provide an indication of their available list spots to the AFL this week before confirming that through a list lodgement on May 27. Originally published as Every nomination for the 2025 AFL mid-season rookie draft
