The Carlton Football Club began the first leg of its journey under senior coach Brendon Bolton in 2016.
After notching up seven wins for the season – three more than last year – the Blues ended up finishing 14th on the ladder.
With the team now on a break, we’re taking a look back at each player’s year in statistics. Here's the review for Carlton’s No. 10, Harry McKay:
VFL GAMES
Season 2016: 6
Career: 6
VFL GOALS
Season 2016: 7
Career: 7
KEY AFL STATISTICS (averages in brackets)
Disposals: 41 (7.3)
Kicks: 18 (3.00)
Marks: 19 (3.16)
Contested marks: 6 (1.00)
Tackles: 10 (1.66)
OVERVIEW
McKay arrived at the Blues at the end of last year, having been taken with pick 10 in the national draft.
The 18-year-old worked hard during his first pre-season, earning himself a call-up in Carlton’s NAB Challenge match against archrival Essendon at Ikon Park. In his debut outing in navy blue, McKay took a terrific mark in the forward 50 and went back and slotted the goal.
Unfortunately in the week after the game it was revealed McKay had suffered a stress reaction in his back, forcing him to remain on the sidelines for three months.
After months of rehab, McKay made his debut for the Northern Blues against North Ballarat in Round 15, and he made the most of his opportunity, booting two goals. The following week he kicked another three goals against quality opposition, Footscray.
With another pre-season under his belt and his body in good shape, there’s no doubt the young forward will be hoping to make his senior debut next year.
HE SAID IT
"The main focus now is on having a big pre-season to springboard into next year. Obviously the goal is to play some senior football and have a full year of footy as well – whatever level it is, I just want to get out on the park and get some games under my belt.”
– McKay chats to Carlton Media after the Northern Blues’ season concludes for 2016.
THEY SAID IT
“It was a really exciting time to get him on the park: he came on at quarter-time and crashed packs, found the ball and hit the scoreboard with two goals. For a first-up game, it was a good performance and he’ll continue to build from here.”
- Northern Blues coach Josh Fraser praises McKay’s performance in his debut VFL game.
SEASON HIGHLIGHT
Off the field it appears Harry is a man of many talents. He and rookie Jesse Glass-McCasker took home first prize in the first year’s ‘Food preparation and nutrition program’. The boys wowed the judges with their final meal, walking away with a $200 LaManna gift voucher.
