STRENGTH in numbers.

Spreading the load in their forward 50 last night, the Blues had a range of contributors all over the ground, including in front of the big sticks. 

Having seven individual goalkickers highlighted the team approach in producing in a winning score to defeat the reigning premiers at the MCG.

Harry McKay (one goal, six marks) may not have had his biggest impact on the scoreboard, but his heroic marks down the line in the dying minutes of the game were instrumental in the Carlton win. 

“We talk about all week playing your role, knowing late that it’s the ordinary - not the extraordinary - that gets it done late,” McKay said. 

“All of us are playing our role and we know what to do in those dying minutes and we did it pretty well.” 

As one of four Coleman Medallists on the ground (the first time that’s happened since 1902), McKay was full of praise for the five-goal haul delivered by the award’s incumbent, Charlie Curnow. 

Not only that, but McKay was quick to acknowledge the hard work of the small forwards, who were buzzing at the fall of the ball all night – an area that was a big pre-season focus for the Blues.

“I thought Charlie was awesome, he’s following up from last year and playing some amazing footy,” he said.  

“All the forwards - ‘Durds’, Matty Owies, ‘Mots’, ‘SOS’, ‘Fish’ - it’s really fun playing with those boys and Charlie is leading the way.” 

Another standout for McKay was the work rate of second-gamer Ollie Hollands, whose run, carry and courage was on show for all to see at the MCG last night. 

Totalling 20 disposals and covering the most distance of anyone on the ground in just his second official outing, McKay said it was a testament to the continuous work Hollands has done since he arrived at the Club. 

“Ollie is fantastic – the way he goes back with the flight and puts his head in the hole, he’s done it all summer and it was really annoying playing against him for Charlie and I,” he said.

“He’s backed it up, he’s a fantastic kid and we’re really proud of him.”