2024 WAS one of Harry McKay’s best individual seasons to date, as the key forward finished the year with his second-highest career goal tally.
Growing in confidence - not only in front of goal but around the ground - the 26-year-old hit the ground running with a dynamic start to the season, slotting 11 goals in his first three games.
McKay kicked a goal in all bar one match this year, bringing his total for the year to 49, nine behind the tally which saw him win the Coleman Medal in 2021.
The ever-humble McKay admitted that he wasn’t trying to reinvent the wheel when it came to his performance: he was simply aiming for consistency in his role.
His craft as a forward target was evident, finishing sixth in the competition for contested marks and marks inside 50.
“I think for me personally, it’s not about lifting the floor as much as being as consistent as possible every game,” McKay said.
“Last off-season, I put quite a lot of work into my goal-kicking side of things, my routine, and the mental side of it. To then have elements translate positively to this year was really good.”
Heading into his 10th year at the Club, the No.10 has seen a lot of fluctuation in ladder positions throughout his Carlton tenure, but he admitted he found the end to this season as a "disappointment".
Not shying away from the way in which the Blues' season came to a close, the key forward acknowledged the heartbreak and frustration that comes with an early exit from the finals series, but also said that a quick shift in mindset would be vital when it comes to entering 2025.
“Everyone is pretty disappointed. It’s never the way you want to finish your season,” he said.
“This week and the next couple of weeks will be a lot of disappointment and hurt, but then we’ve got to quickly move to getting better. We need to improve.”
Wrapping up his meetings with key club personnel during the week, McKay said that the message across the group was clear: a lack of consistency came back to bite.
Speaking on the message from Michael Voss, McKay said the AFL Senior Coach was clear in his approach with the group, but was also keen to look ahead to what’s next.
“'Vossy’s' main message was around inconsistencies throughout the season, which ultimately left us with a disappointing feeling after Saturday night,” he said.
“There was an element of acknowledging the steps and growth we’ve made, and how large parts of the year were done really well. But then the inconsistencies meant we didn’t finish the way we wanted to.”
For McKay himself, continuing to find connection and cohesion amongst the forward line is his main goal.
Still searching for the forward mix that suits the Blues best, McKay said he and his partner-in-crime, Charlie Curnow, will take the appropriate steps as leaders to ensure a fit and firing forward line come Opening Round next year.
Lauding the foundations that Curnow laid in his first year as co-vice captain, McKay stated that his step up on and off the field is only the beginning of what he can achieve for the group and himself.
“Charlie had a really great year. His ability to be super consistent over a long period of time is something to tip your hat at,” he said.
“Some of the leadership things he’s improved on and brought to the group have been awesome.
“The way he’s been able to pull the group together - and a few of us have helped with that - in terms of focusing on being connected, regardless of the personnel, is great. We know what to focus on and what we want to bring.
“Over the summer, I’m sure we’ll keep looking at what mix is best and how we want that to look.”
