GREATER Western Sydney is seeking to reintroduce troubled forward Cam McCarthy to a structured fitness program in a move that could lead to him training with an amateur club in the coming months.
McCarthy is on indefinite leave in Perth as he battles mental health issues and there is no timeline for his return to the Giants, who are receiving weekly reports on his progress.
Outgoing GWS football manager Graeme Allan this week spoke to McCarthy's Perth-based manager Colin Young about developing a structured fitness program for the 20-year-old.
There has since been a push to find an amateur club for the forward to train with, with Young hopeful McCarthy could train with a WAFL club within eight weeks if he was granted permission.
GWS stressed on Wednesday night it was too early to entertain McCarthy being released to train with any other club but it would consider the proposal.
Former Eagle Andrew McDougall, who helps manage McCarthy through Corporate Sports Australia, has coaching links to amateur club West Coast Cowan.
Coach Leon Cameron told 3AW the Giants would consider allowing McCarthy to train with a local club if it helped him in his return to football.
"If that is the best thing for Cam to re-engage in his passion to play the game, then we will look at it," Cameron said.
"The main thing we have said all along is if Cam's healthy and he's starting to regain that passion to play footy again.
"I've always said he's too good a person and too good a player not to be playing AFL footy.
"If that's a step in the right direction to train with a local club, then no doubt we'll definitely look at that."
Since returning to Perth, McCarthy's training has included boxing and he is working part-time with an electrician.
He remains in regular contact with the Giants' welfare staff as well as Cameron.