Former AFL footballer Cam McCarthy, who represented both the Fremantle Dockers and Greater Western Sydney, has passed away at the age of 29.

McCarthy was discovered unresponsive at a residence in Perth's south late on Thursday afternoon.

His death is not considered suspicious.

In a statement, his most recent club, South Fremantle Football Club, expressed deep sorrow at his passing.

"Cam is remembered not only as a talented footballer but also as a popular, kind-hearted individual who made time for everyone at our club," the statement read.

"He will be greatly missed.

"The entire South Fremantle Football Club community extends condolences to the McCarthy family during this difficult period."

McCarthy joined the Dockers ahead of the 2017 season after leaving the Greater Western Sydney Giants, where he played 21 AFL matches.

He spent the 2016 season in WA after the Giants denied his request to transfer to Fremantle.

A year later, the clubs reached an agreement on a deal, and McCarthy went on to play another 49 games over four seasons with the Dockers, scoring 63 goals.

End of AFL career

McCarthy was diagnosed with epilepsy in 2020 after collapsing during training, and after being informed that his contract would not be renewed, he and the Dockers parted ways.

This marked the conclusion of his AFL career after a total of 70 games and 99 goals.

He returned to South Fremantle in the WAFL for two seasons but retired from the sport after playing just 10 games during that time.

In July 2023, McCarthy was pulled over by police near the south-west town of Harvey.

He recorded a blood alcohol reading of 0.414, more than eight times the legal limit.

The offence resulted in a 10-month suspension of his driving privileges.

Tributes pour in

WA Premier Roger Cook described McCarthy as "an exceptional sportsperson, a wonderful member of our community".

"This is incredibly tragic," he said.

"Our thoughts are with his family and friends who must be enduring immense pain today.

"Every elite athlete faces a range of pressures in their lives, and those pressures persist when they transition from their sporting careers."

McCarthy's passing adds to a string of tragedies involving former Dockers players.

Shane Yarran took his own life in April 2018, while just six months later Colin Sylvia died in a car accident in Melbourne.

Additionally, in January 2022, Harley Balic passed away shortly after his 25th birthday after struggling with drug addiction and mental health problems.

The Dockers will wear black armbands in tonight's match against Sydney at Perth Stadium as a mark of respect.