CAM McCarthy is happy and in good shape for a return to AFL football in 2017.
McCarthy has been training twice a week with WAFL club South Fremantle throughout 2016 having been on leave from Greater Western Sydney after walking out the club to work through some mental health issues at home in Perth.
The 21-year-old is believed to be a target for both WA clubs. South Fremantle coach Todd Curley told AFL.com.au that McCarthy's athleticism would suit Domain Stadium.
"He runs well, uses the ball well, I think he'd be pretty suited to playing here at Subi (Domain Stadium)," Curley said.
"He's been really good for us. He's helped coach some of the young guys. He's been really invested and involved. He's a good kid. He's happy. It would be good to see him get another crack at it."
McCarthy has not played at any level since round 23, 2015. He played 20 AFL matches in 2015 and kicked 35 goals for the Giants but since moving back to Perth he has only been training with South Fremantle on a part-time basis.
But Curley said McCarthy would not have any problems getting his body conditioned to AFL football again.
"He obviously hasn't been training at an AFL level but I don't think it would take him too long to get back up to speed," Curley said.
"He's been training with us a couple of nights a week. He does stuff away from there as well on his own. His stuff with the ball, I don't think he'll have too much trouble picking it up and getting back into it.
"I think he's a reasonably natural athlete. Everyone else won't have played for six months before they start going. Obviously he'll be able to start a bit earlier and get up and going. He'll be coming from behind. But they're pretty good at AFL level. By round one I reckon he'll be ready to go."
The Giants have not given up hope of trying to lure McCarthy back to Greater Wester Sydney with coach Leon Cameron stating last month that there was a one per cent chance the Giants could hold on to him.
Fremantle made a bold bid for him during last year's trade period and Dockers' football manager Chris Bond and Giants' football manager Wayne Campbell met in Perth back in May to discuss McCarthy's future.
The Eagles appear more interested in the Giants' West Australian ruckman Rory Lobb given they will be without Nic Naitanui for a large portion of next season.
Lobb is contracted to the Giants for 2017 but is reportedly open to the idea of returning home.
The Dockers also have interest in Lobb as they embark on a rebuild this summer.
Dockers ruckmen Aaron Sandilands (aged 33) and Jon Griffin (30) have one year remaining on their contracts while Zac Clarke is set to become a free agent and is exploring his options for next season and beyond. Jack Hannath is also out of contract.
