Carlton have received a timely boost to their AFL season with gun forward and Coleman Medal leader Harry McKay signing a two-year contract extension.
McKay was coming off contract at season’s end and would have been in demand had he sought a trade, but has instead signed a two-year extension that will take him through to restricted free agency.
The 23-year-old – who was concussed early against West Coast in round 12 – booted 38 goals in his first 11 games in 2021, is fourth in the AFL for contested marks and third for marks inside 50.
McKay’s new deal is a massive boost to Carlton’s stuttering season – with the Blues 14th on the ladder and about to commence an external review into their football department.
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“I was always staying a Blue,” McKay said.
“This playing group have been through a lot together since I came to the club.
“A lot of us have been part of what we are building from day one, I’m committed to being here and helping us achieve our ultimate goal of winning our 17th premiership.”
Drafted by the Blues with pick No.10 in the 2015 AFL draft, McKay has kicked 109 goals in 60 games – twice Carlton’s leading goalkicker in 2019 and 2020.
“Throughout this entire process Harry has always stated his intention to remain a Carlton player and not at any stage did he waver from that,” Carlton head of list management Nick Austin said.
“As we’ve all seen, Harry has developed into an exceptional footballer.
“To lead the Coleman Medal at this stage of the year is a credit to the amount of dedication to his craft he has shown – he is the ultimate professional.”
Mike
Roar Rookie
Zed, Kennedy is interesting, and I see him as a great replacement for Ed Curnow. Get him tagging now, while Ed is still playing okay.
Diesel-747
Roar Rookie
Neither
Diesel-747
Roar Rookie
100% Both stay on in coaching roles - at least betts will
Diesel-747
Roar Rookie
He will stay- the mail has changed I heard today.
Diesel-747
Roar Rookie
I feel 1 is the Go. Leave Cripps as captain.
Parklane7835
Roar Rookie
Can someone tell me which of these players should Carlton Pick up during Trade week,Jack Billings or Adam Cerra?
1dog
Roar Rookie
I can’t recall SPS kicking further than 25m. Really limits players making a lead. It also becomes predictable for opponents
Blitz
Guest
Exactly Macca! I’m a WC fan and we’ve been promptlextending the contracts of identified draft picks for a long time. Makes perfect, logical, financial sense to do so
Billy
Roar Rookie
I think they will keep SPS, Kennedy, Dow, O’Brien and Williamson. Trade Cottrell and Gibbons, and Levi delisted.
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
Pies served well with father sons too. Bucks boys are 12 and 14.
PeteB
Roar Rookie
Was never going anywhere without free agency. Two years time will be the true test.
Zed16
Guest
SPS should be played in the midfield (he is our best ball user and his best game was 2 years back against the doggies when he had 30 plus possessions playing in his natural position) and O'brien should replace Cotterel. His form in the VFL has been highly consistent and he has far better ball use than Cotterrel and this will allow him to show his worth. Dow also needs to be played in rightful position as an inside mid and i would give him one more year. Levi should move on, Gibbons makes to many errors and Kennedy is an interesting one as he has probably been the most consistent and best in the VFL. He is another one that does not get to play his natural position. I believe he has more to offer but the stars just don't align for him.
Macca
Roar Rookie
Linked to Cerra and Merrett beating the Giants this week might put Kelly on the table but I think they will be asking the question of a lot of players.
Parklane7835
Roar Rookie
Macca---Who would be the other Mid-Fielder Carlton will get next year,as you said they will have space to Hunt for?
Parklane7835
Roar Rookie
Should Carlton have just One Captain next year as I think the Blues is the Only Team with Co--Captains in Sam Docherty and Patrick Cripps?
Parklane7835
Roar Rookie
What do you think Patrick Cripps do stay at Carlton or go to either Fremantle or West Coast Eagles next Year?
Parklane7835
Roar Rookie
Marc Murphy and Eddie Betts will Retired at the end of this Season?
Parklane7835
Roar Rookie
Tell me will Levi Casboult,Paddy Dow,Tom Williamson,Lachie O'Brien,Sam Petroskvi-Seton,Matthew Kennedy,Matthew Cottrell and Michael Gibbons all Be Delisted or Traded to New Clubs next year 2022?
Chanon
Roar Rookie
Some father/sons will be a feather in the cap for Wright. Dogs are getting Sam Darcy 203cm possibly top 5 pick Add to the treasure trove of father/sons the dogs keep popping out!
Parklane7835
Roar Rookie
Very happy that Harry McKay is Staying at Carlton,we now have too Sign up Sam Walsh for next couple of years?