McCarthy hopes for a new homeJon Pierik
November 2, 2011FORMER Collingwood midfielder John McCarthy is likely to find a new home next season, with at least two Melbourne-based clubs interested in him.
McCarthy was delisted by the Magpies this week, after failing to broker a suitable trade for him last month.
His manager, Ned Guy, said McCarthy, who managed only 18 matches in four seasons with the Magpies, had also attracted the eye of an interstate club.
''He has met with a couple of clubs. We will sit down and work out whether it's best to go through the national or the pre-season draft to try and get him to where he wants to be, wherever that may be,'' Guy said yesterday.
''There is certainly some strong interest in him. He will have a good future somewhere.''
Guy would not disclose the clubs involved.
But it's understood Richmond and Port Adelaide are among those who have shown interest. Greater Western Sydney could also be an option.
''He is just looking for an opportunity,'' Guy said. ''He was in a pretty strong midfield, fortunately and unfortunately, and probably got starved of an opportunity at Collingwood.''
McCarthy, named as an emergency in last year's replayed grand final, played eight games this year.
Guy said the Magpies, dealing with salary-cap pressures, had worked as hard as possible to help McCarthy kick-start his career at a new club.
''They were pretty good about it. Obviously there was a pretty tight squeeze on the cap,'' he said.
''That, combined with the fact they realised he was too good a player to not be playing regular senior footy, they were willing to help him find a new home in trade week.
''Unfortunately, it didn't pan out that way. Most clubs during trade week seemed to be battening down the hatches for next year when free agency and a super draft comes in, which might have prevented him from finding a home in trade week.''
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