"John embraced Port Adelaide and we embraced him, and we are deeply shocked and saddened by his passing. He was a very popular player among his team mates and our supporters. John played 21 of 22 games this season for Port Adelaide and was a valued member of our team who quickly won the respect and friendship of us all."
- Port Adelaide CEO Keith Thomas
"This is a terrible tragedy for John's loved ones and our deepest sympathies go out to them. It is a very sad day for the Port Adelaide Football Club and the rest of the AFL industry to lose a young man in the prime of his life."
- AFL CEO Andrew Demetriou
"Today is an incredibly sad day. The tragic passing of John McCarthy has come as a deep shock to players and the wider industry. On behalf of the players and all at the Association, I extend our deepest sympathies to John's family, friends and teammates. John was a well-respected member of both the Collingwood and Port Adelaide clubs who quickly established himself as a hard working midfielder renowned for his fearless attack on the contest."
- AFL Players' Association CEO Matt Finnis
"This tragic news has come as a shock to everyone at the Collingwood Football Club. John was an exceptional young man in the prime of his life with the whole world ahead of him. We are devastated to hear of his passing, and our hearts go out to his loving parents Shane and Catherine, his family and friends. We are proud that John wore the black and white jumper and his contribution to our club will never be forgotten."
- Collingwood president Eddie McGuire
"J-Mac was a great mate to a lot of us. He was a gutsy teammate and wonderful person. It's a terrible day, a devastating day. Everyone here, especially his closest friends, feel for the McCarthy family. Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with them as we all bind together."
- Collingwood captain Nick Maxwell
"We wish there were appropriate words to help ease the pain of losing a loved one. Our club had the utmost respect for John as an opposition player, and we know the family well with both John's father, Shane, and brother, Matt, past players of the club."
- Geelong CEO Brian Cook
Thank you for the overwhelming support on what has been very tough day for the club and John's family and friends #RIPJMac
— Port Adelaide FC (@PAFC) September 10, 2012
Hug your kids and tell your family you love them. We've just lost the nicest guy and best teammate you could ever ask for. Too sad
— Kane Cornes (@kanecornes) September 10, 2012
Today is one of the toughest days I've had to endure. Lost a teammate and a friend. Condolences to McCarthy family, Dani and friends.
— Troy Chaplin (@troychaplin30) September 10, 2012
Thoughts are with family and friends of J Mac. Infectious personality and perpetual smile will stay with me. #ripjmac
— Nathan Buckley (@ncb_cfc) September 10, 2012
R.I.P JMAC! Thoughts go out to all his loved ones in this tough time. Great team mate and will always be remembered #RIPJMac
— Scott Pendlebury (@SP_10) September 10, 2012
Such a sad day for all today with the passing of jmac, he will be deeply missed. Not just a footballer but a amazing person and friend.
— Travis Cloke (@travis32cloke) September 10, 2012
Miss ya boy, rest easy mate
— nathan brown (@njbrown16) September 10, 2012
Days like today put everything in perspective - rest easy mate , we'll miss ya! Xxx
— Dale Thomas (@DT_13) September 10, 2012
Rest in peace John McCarthy ...... @pafc
— Warren Tredrea (@warrentredrea) September 10, 2012
Rest in peace Jmac. We're all hurting but most importantly remembering the memories. Love to your family, your life was a blessing to us all
— Harry O'Brien (@harry_o) September 10, 2012
R.I.P J Mac!My thoughts are with all your family friends You will always be remembered! ?
— Sharrod Wellingham (@SharrodW_21) September 10, 2012
My thoughts & prayers go out to John McCarthy's family and friends. #rip
— Shaun Burgoyne (@ShaunBurgoyne9) September 10, 2012
Thoughts and prayers go out to all family, friends and teammates of John McCarthy. Absolutely tragic.
— Jude Bolton (@Jude_Bolton) September 10, 2012
#RIP Jmac.
— Josh Fraser (@jfraser17) September 10, 2012
We have lost a true gentleman today. Thoughts are with John McCarthy's friends and family. RIP mate
— Jordan Lewis (@JordanLewisO3) September 10, 2012
Only spent a short time playing with John but he was a lovely young man!such a tragedy.Thoughts go out to his family at this tough time.Rip
— jamesmagner (@jamesmag23) September 10, 2012
Sad and tragic day, thoughts are with you JMac
— Cameron Wood (@probably_wood) September 10, 2012
My thoughts are with John McCarthy's family & GF. Was always willing to do things for others. Going to miss our summers at Portsea#RIPJMac
— Josh Gibson (@joshgibson06) September 10, 2012
