DESPITE Carlton’s win-loss record after Round 6, key forward Harry McKay is giving Blues fans something to be excited about inside 50.
The fourth-year Blue currently holds the top spot for contested marking across the competition, averaging 4.2 over the first six rounds of 2019.
McKay shared in the disappointment of the playing group after the Blues’ five-point loss to Hawthorn in Launceston, lamenting the second-half disconnect.
“I think there is a bit of disconnect between the lines, we struggled to probably move the ball like we did in the first half,” McKay said on SEN Breakfast on Tuesday.
“Once they got on a run it was a bit hard to get back momentum."
“We obviously played a great first half and then to be able to come back hit the lead in the last quarter was really good.”
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— Carlton FC (@CarltonFC) April 28, 2019
McKay spoke on his journey towards what is shaping up to a breakout season for the young Blue.
With 11 goals and 25 contested marks from his opening five games, his form has been one of the big positives at Ikon Park in 2019.
“When I got to the club there was a lot to learn, most defenders were stronger and a lot more experienced than me,” he said.
“When your team is playing some good footy then it’s easy to play good footy yourself.”
The young forward has become a permanent fixture in the Blues forward line this season, with injury curtailing the start to his career.
“The last couple of years I haven’t much continuity with my body, so just being able to do every session,” he said.
“It’s picking up a few things and trying them out at training and then hopefully they work game day.”
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The skip remains on top of the leaderboard after Round 6.#BoundByBlue
With his aerial dominance at its best, the young forward has also been able to control opponents at ground level with his elite speed.
“I was always pretty quick as a young bloke and I guess that didn’t leave me when I put on some weight and grew a bit,” he said.
The Blues take on North Melbourne this Saturday in what they hope will yield a second win for the season having come close in Launceston.
There is a chance McKay could come face to face with twin brother Ben McKay when Carlton faces the Kangaroos on Sunday.