[2] The youngest, Shane, played at Geelong and the other, Gavan McCarthy, made two appearances for North Melbourne, one of them with Bernie in round five of the 1965 VFL season.
Bernie was renowned for his marking and handball skill, although in his own words he wasn't “much of a kick at any time” but he was known for his willingness to move the ball on from a mark or contest at speed; a trait considered well ahead of his time which earned Bernie the nickname 'Bolter.'
A centre half-forward, McCarthy partnered John Dugdale as North Melbourne's key forwards throughout the 1960s.
In 1973 he was awarded the League Best and Fairest Michaelson Medal and led South Bendigo to Premiership victory in 1974.
McCarthy finished his career in the mid-eighties with short stints at Murchison and Euroa, eventually suffering a career-ending shoulder injury.