BRINGING back the spark.
Harry McKay has flagged the Blues’ Sunday afternoon clash with the Lions as one to watch for football fans, as his side looks to respond following last weekend’s disappointment.
“Both teams will be cracking in – if there’s one game to watch it just might be this one,” McKay told SEN.
It’s been a big few days of debriefing for the Blues following an uncharacteristic display against the Crows.
“We went through a few things that weren’t us and I think that was the most disappointing part – some of the things we saw on the weekend weren’t us and haven’t been us all year.”
While McKay acknowledged the importance of asking the hard questions and delving a little deeper into what went wrong, the Blues are retaining balance heading into the final three rounds of the home-and-away season.
“We’ve been doing a lot right so there’s a balance to be found and the coaches did a pretty good job of that yesterday," he said.
“We spoke about how disappointed we were as a playing group, but we’ve got a really good opportunity with three games to go, so we can’t dwell on the weekend for too long.”
McKay and his teammates haven’t been short of motivation on the track, with focus now shifting to how the Blues can make amends.
“’Vossy’ [Michael Voss] has a very good ability to inspire and a few boys were looking for a brick wall to run through after the meeting," he said.
“We have a chance to respond this week and that’s the beautiful part about football.”
While the next three weeks are undoubtedly crucial in the make-up of the season’s final standings, the Blues' focus remains system-based.
“We’ve done a really good job, especially over the last four or five weeks, of focusing on process rather than outcomes," he said.
“We haven’t really spoken about the ramifications at the end of the year.”
On an individual note, McKay is relishing being reunited with Charlie Curnow, with the pair contributing just shy of 100 goals between them.
“I’m really enjoying my football this year and getting to play with Charlie and some of the other guys in the forward line," he said.
“My role is a lot more in-depth than just looking to the scoreboard, and my focuses stretch beyond just kicking goals.
“As long as I’m being a good teammate and contributing in my role, that’s the main thing for me and that’s what is celebrated in the forward line."
A battle with Brisbane key defender Harris Andrews likely looms, with McKay more than up for the fight.
“He’s one of the better defenders in the comp so it will be a big challenge and I’m looking forward to that," he said.
“I always like to think back to what I did well against an opponent – whether that’s stretching my mind back to previous years to try and find the slightest edge.
"I always try and look back and even if it wasn’t a great game but I did a couple of things well, I’ll try to bring that mentality to be really positive about the match-up.”
And if McKay had one message for Carlton fans ahead of the blockbuster clash?
“I don’t think it’s time to panic just yet – we’ve had a pretty solid campaign so stick with us.
"I think you’ll see the boys really respond this week. Make some noise if you’re with us in Brisbane and gear up for a big three weeks.”
