The AFL and its Clubs in addition to John's former and affiliated clubs have released statements of condolence following his passing.
Supporters have left thousands of comments across on PortAdelaideFC.com.au, Facebook, Twitter and Google+.
Federal MP for Port Adelaide, Mark Butler and Federal MP for Swan, Steve Irons both moved motions expressing their condolences in Parliament last night.
Read messages from the AFL industry below.
PORT ADELAIDE
“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.
“He will be greatly missed by everyone at Port Adelaide and we extend our sympathies to his parents Shane and Cath, his brother Matt, sisters Frances, Elizabeth and Jane, his girlfriend Dani and his extended family and network of friends.”
- Keith Thomas, Chief Executive Officer, Port Adelaide Football Club
AFL
“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.
“The AFL and the AFLPA are providing appropriate support for John’s family, the Club and also his teammates.
“Port Adelaide are a proud football club and no doubt their many supporters will rally around as they deal with their grief.
“Out of respect for John’s family and friends I would ask people to refrain from speculating and to let US investigators do their job.
“The public interest in this story is understandable but I would also ask the media to respect the privacy of those involved as they come to terms with this tragic news.”
- Andrew Demetriou, Chief Executive Officer, AFL
AFL PLAYERS ASSOCIATION
“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."
“Along with the AFL, we have been in contact with Port Adelaide and Collingwood to provide the appropriate support to those close to John.
“Our thoughts are with John’s family, friends, team mates and all at Port Adelaide Football Club during this incredibly sad time.”
- Matt Finnis, Chief Executive Officer, AFL Players Association
COLLINGWOOD
“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.”
- Eddie McGuire, President, Collingwood
“J-Mac was a great mate to a lot of us. He was a gutsy team-mate 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 during this time. Today we lost a great friend.”
- Nick Maxwell, Captain, Collingwood
DANDENONG STINGRAYS
The Dandenong Southern Stingrays are deeply saddened to learn of the death Port Adelaide player John McCarthy.
McCarthy was a former Dandenong Stingrays player, having spent 2 years at Dandenong after joining the TAC Cup side from Sorrento FC and Peninsula School in 2006.
He was recruited to Collingwood from the Stingrays in 2007, and made his debut for the Magpies in 2008 going on to play 18 games before he was recruited to Port Adelaide at the end of 2011, playing a further 21 AFL games for the Power in 2012.
John will always be remembered as a very talented tough inside player who was always destined to play football in the AFL.
We would like to extend our thoughts and prays to John's parents, brother and sisters and extended family members and the entire community of Sorrento.
- Media Statement, Dandenong Stingrays
SANFL
“We are devastated by the news of this tragic loss. It has certainly come as a shock to everyone in the South Australian football community.”
“John was a highly-regarded young man and a fine football player. He will be greatly missed not only by his friends at the Port Adelaide Football Club but by all those who follow the game in South Australia.
“On behalf of the Commission Chairman The Hon. John Olsen AO, the SA Football Commission, the SANFL clubs and League staff, we wish to express our deepest sympathies to John’s family and friends.”
- Leigh Whicker, SA Football Executive Commisioner, SANFL
ADELAIDE
“Everyone at the Adelaide Football Club is shocked and saddened by the news today of the tragic death of John McCarthy.”
“On behalf of our Club, we have today extended our deepest sympathies to the Port Adelaide Football Club; and wish publicly to do the same to his previous Clubs, as well as John’s family and friends, at this most difficult time.”
- Steven Trigg, Chief Executive Officer, Adelaide Crows
BRISBANE LIONS
“At just 22 years of age, John was a young man whose life has been tragically cut way too short.”
“His passing has devastated everyone in the football community.
“Our thoughts and deepest condolences are extended to John’s family and friends at this very difficult time - as well both the Port Adelaide and Collingwood Football Clubs.”
- Malcolm Holmes, Chief Executive Officer, Brisbane Lions
CARLTON
The Carlton Football Club profoundly laments the passing of John McCarthy, a man whose young life has been so tragically taken.
We convey our most heartfelt condolences to John’s loved ones, together with those he knew at both the Port Adelaide Football Club and Collingwood Football Club, on their heart-rending loss.
- Statement, Carlton FC
ESSENDON
“On behalf of Essendon Football Club, our deepest condolences and prayers are with the McCarthy family during this difficult time.”
“John’s death is a tragedy that is being felt by the entire AFL Community and our thoughts are with the Port Adelaide Football Club and the family, friends and teammates of John McCarthy.”
- Ian Robson, Chief Executive Officer, Essendon
GEELONG
“The Geelong Football Club extends its deepest sympathy to the McCarthy family following the passing of their son John.”
“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, Matthew, past players of the club.
“We also pass on our condolences to John’s friends, colleagues and also to everyone at the Port Adelaide football club, and his past clubs Collingwood, Dandenong Stingrays and Sorrento, who have suffered such a tragic loss.”
- Brian Cook, Chief Executive Officer, Geelong
GOLD COAST
“The Gold Coast Football Club extend our sincerest sympathies along with our thoughts and prayers to the family of John McCarthy.”
“There is little anyone can say that will comfort John’s family at this time, however it is important they are aware that the entire AFL community shares their grief on this saddest of occasions.
“We would also like to pass on our condolences to John’s team mates at both the Port Adelaide Football Club and the Collingwood Football Club at this time.”
- Travis Auld, Chief Executive Officer, Gold Coast
GWS GIANTS
"John was a young man in the prime of his life with a promising AFL career ahead of him. Like everyone, we are shocked and saddened by the news and our thoughts are with his family, friends and all his teammates at the Port Adelaide, Collingwood, Dandenong Stingrays and Sorrento Football Clubs."
- Tony Shepherd, Chairman, GWS Giants
HAWTHORN
“All at Hawthorn are shocked and deeply saddened by the tragic passing of John.”
“On behalf of Hawthorn Football Club and its supporters, we pass on our deepest sympathies to John’s family, friends and the Port Adelaide football community.”
- Stuart Fox, Chief Executive Officer, Hawthorn
MELBOURNE
"The Melbourne Football Club shares the shock and sadness of the football world at the tragic passing of player, John McCarthy.”
"Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with John's family and friends, and the Port Adelaide Football Club. They have suffered the saddest loss."
- Cameron Schwab, Chief Executive Officer, Melbourne
NORTH MELBOURNE
The thoughts of everyone at the North Melbourne Football Club go out to the family and friends of John McCarthy, and to the Port Adelaide Football Club.
A sad day for the football community. RIP.
- Statement, North Melbourne
RICHMOND
"The Richmond Football Club was deeply saddened by the tragic news of John McCarthy’s passing today."
"John spent a short period in pre-season training with Richmond late last year, and his sudden passing came as a great shock to all at the Club.
"Richmond wishes to extend its condolences to John’s family and friends, and the Port Adelaide and Collingwood football clubs, at this incredibly sad and difficult time."?
- Brendon Gale, Chief Executive Officer, Richmond
ST KILDA
St Kilda Football Club extends its deepest sympathies to the family and friends of John McCarthy and the Port Adelaide Football Club.
John’s tragic and untimely passing resonates throughout the entire St Kilda FC family, as his grandfather, Alan Olle, played for the Saints between 1946-51.
We would like to send our sincerest condolences to John's family and former colleagues who will be grieving at this very sad time.
- Media Statement, St Kilda
SYDNEY SWANS
“John’s death is a tragedy that is being felt by the entire AFL Community.”
“Our thoughts are with all of John’s family and friends at this incredibly sad time.
“The Club also extends it condolences to the Port Adelaide and Collingwood Football Clubs.”
- Andrew Ireland, Chief Executive Officer, Sydney Swans
WESTERN BULLDOGS
“The Western Bulldogs send our deepest condolences to John's family and friends, and the Port Adelaide Football Club, at this time of tragedy.”
“Nothing affects us more than the loss of one of our own - we stand in solidarity with the Port Adelaide Football Club at this very sad time.”
- Simon Garlick, Chief Executive, Western Bulldogs
WOODVILLE WEST TORRENS
Our sincerest condolences go out to the McCarthy family and the Port Adelaide Football Club on the tragic passing of John McCarthy.
Although John never played for the Eagles he was aligned to us after being selected in the 2011 mini draft. This is a tragic day for the entire Australian Rules football community.
- Statement, WWTFC
- Keith Thomas, Chief Executive Officer, Port Adelaide Football Club
AFL
“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.
“The AFL and the AFLPA are providing appropriate support for John’s family, the Club and also his teammates.
“Port Adelaide are a proud football club and no doubt their many supporters will rally around as they deal with their grief.
“Out of respect for John’s family and friends I would ask people to refrain from speculating and to let US investigators do their job.
“The public interest in this story is understandable but I would also ask the media to respect the privacy of those involved as they come to terms with this tragic news.”
- Andrew Demetriou, Chief Executive Officer, AFL
AFL PLAYERS ASSOCIATION
“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."
“Along with the AFL, we have been in contact with Port Adelaide and Collingwood to provide the appropriate support to those close to John.
“Our thoughts are with John’s family, friends, team mates and all at Port Adelaide Football Club during this incredibly sad time.”
- Matt Finnis, Chief Executive Officer, AFL Players Association
COLLINGWOOD
“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.”
- Eddie McGuire, President, Collingwood
“J-Mac was a great mate to a lot of us. He was a gutsy team-mate 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 during this time. Today we lost a great friend.”
- Nick Maxwell, Captain, Collingwood
DANDENONG STINGRAYS
The Dandenong Southern Stingrays are deeply saddened to learn of the death Port Adelaide player John McCarthy.
McCarthy was a former Dandenong Stingrays player, having spent 2 years at Dandenong after joining the TAC Cup side from Sorrento FC and Peninsula School in 2006.
He was recruited to Collingwood from the Stingrays in 2007, and made his debut for the Magpies in 2008 going on to play 18 games before he was recruited to Port Adelaide at the end of 2011, playing a further 21 AFL games for the Power in 2012.
John will always be remembered as a very talented tough inside player who was always destined to play football in the AFL.
We would like to extend our thoughts and prays to John's parents, brother and sisters and extended family members and the entire community of Sorrento.
- Media Statement, Dandenong Stingrays
SANFL
“We are devastated by the news of this tragic loss. It has certainly come as a shock to everyone in the South Australian football community.”
“John was a highly-regarded young man and a fine football player. He will be greatly missed not only by his friends at the Port Adelaide Football Club but by all those who follow the game in South Australia.
“On behalf of the Commission Chairman The Hon. John Olsen AO, the SA Football Commission, the SANFL clubs and League staff, we wish to express our deepest sympathies to John’s family and friends.”
- Leigh Whicker, SA Football Executive Commisioner, SANFL
ADELAIDE
“Everyone at the Adelaide Football Club is shocked and saddened by the news today of the tragic death of John McCarthy.”
“On behalf of our Club, we have today extended our deepest sympathies to the Port Adelaide Football Club; and wish publicly to do the same to his previous Clubs, as well as John’s family and friends, at this most difficult time.”
- Steven Trigg, Chief Executive Officer, Adelaide Crows
BRISBANE LIONS
“At just 22 years of age, John was a young man whose life has been tragically cut way too short.”
“His passing has devastated everyone in the football community.
“Our thoughts and deepest condolences are extended to John’s family and friends at this very difficult time - as well both the Port Adelaide and Collingwood Football Clubs.”
- Malcolm Holmes, Chief Executive Officer, Brisbane Lions
CARLTON
The Carlton Football Club profoundly laments the passing of John McCarthy, a man whose young life has been so tragically taken.
We convey our most heartfelt condolences to John’s loved ones, together with those he knew at both the Port Adelaide Football Club and Collingwood Football Club, on their heart-rending loss.
- Statement, Carlton FC
ESSENDON
“On behalf of Essendon Football Club, our deepest condolences and prayers are with the McCarthy family during this difficult time.”
“John’s death is a tragedy that is being felt by the entire AFL Community and our thoughts are with the Port Adelaide Football Club and the family, friends and teammates of John McCarthy.”
- Ian Robson, Chief Executive Officer, Essendon
GEELONG
“The Geelong Football Club extends its deepest sympathy to the McCarthy family following the passing of their son John.”
“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, Matthew, past players of the club.
“We also pass on our condolences to John’s friends, colleagues and also to everyone at the Port Adelaide football club, and his past clubs Collingwood, Dandenong Stingrays and Sorrento, who have suffered such a tragic loss.”
- Brian Cook, Chief Executive Officer, Geelong
GOLD COAST
“The Gold Coast Football Club extend our sincerest sympathies along with our thoughts and prayers to the family of John McCarthy.”
“There is little anyone can say that will comfort John’s family at this time, however it is important they are aware that the entire AFL community shares their grief on this saddest of occasions.
“We would also like to pass on our condolences to John’s team mates at both the Port Adelaide Football Club and the Collingwood Football Club at this time.”
- Travis Auld, Chief Executive Officer, Gold Coast
GWS GIANTS
"John was a young man in the prime of his life with a promising AFL career ahead of him. Like everyone, we are shocked and saddened by the news and our thoughts are with his family, friends and all his teammates at the Port Adelaide, Collingwood, Dandenong Stingrays and Sorrento Football Clubs."
- Tony Shepherd, Chairman, GWS Giants
HAWTHORN
“All at Hawthorn are shocked and deeply saddened by the tragic passing of John.”
“On behalf of Hawthorn Football Club and its supporters, we pass on our deepest sympathies to John’s family, friends and the Port Adelaide football community.”
- Stuart Fox, Chief Executive Officer, Hawthorn
MELBOURNE
"The Melbourne Football Club shares the shock and sadness of the football world at the tragic passing of player, John McCarthy.”
"Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with John's family and friends, and the Port Adelaide Football Club. They have suffered the saddest loss."
- Cameron Schwab, Chief Executive Officer, Melbourne
NORTH MELBOURNE
The thoughts of everyone at the North Melbourne Football Club go out to the family and friends of John McCarthy, and to the Port Adelaide Football Club.
A sad day for the football community. RIP.
- Statement, North Melbourne
RICHMOND
"The Richmond Football Club was deeply saddened by the tragic news of John McCarthy’s passing today."
"John spent a short period in pre-season training with Richmond late last year, and his sudden passing came as a great shock to all at the Club.
"Richmond wishes to extend its condolences to John’s family and friends, and the Port Adelaide and Collingwood football clubs, at this incredibly sad and difficult time."?
- Brendon Gale, Chief Executive Officer, Richmond
ST KILDA
St Kilda Football Club extends its deepest sympathies to the family and friends of John McCarthy and the Port Adelaide Football Club.
John’s tragic and untimely passing resonates throughout the entire St Kilda FC family, as his grandfather, Alan Olle, played for the Saints between 1946-51.
We would like to send our sincerest condolences to John's family and former colleagues who will be grieving at this very sad time.
- Media Statement, St Kilda
SYDNEY SWANS
“John’s death is a tragedy that is being felt by the entire AFL Community.”
“Our thoughts are with all of John’s family and friends at this incredibly sad time.
“The Club also extends it condolences to the Port Adelaide and Collingwood Football Clubs.”
- Andrew Ireland, Chief Executive Officer, Sydney Swans
WESTERN BULLDOGS
“The Western Bulldogs send our deepest condolences to John's family and friends, and the Port Adelaide Football Club, at this time of tragedy.”
“Nothing affects us more than the loss of one of our own - we stand in solidarity with the Port Adelaide Football Club at this very sad time.”
- Simon Garlick, Chief Executive, Western Bulldogs
WOODVILLE WEST TORRENS
Our sincerest condolences go out to the McCarthy family and the Port Adelaide Football Club on the tragic passing of John McCarthy.
Although John never played for the Eagles he was aligned to us after being selected in the 2011 mini draft. This is a tragic day for the entire Australian Rules football community.
- Statement, WWTFC
