AFTER nearly seven years as Head of Football at the Carlton Football Club, Andrew McKay has today informed staff and the playing group that 2018 will be his final season at Carlton.
McKay was appointed to the position in October 2011 after six years working with the AFL in various roles including AFL Game Analysis Manager and Chairman of the AFL Match Review Panel.
In his time at Ikon Park on the Executive Team, the widely respected McKay has overseen the management of the football department including coaches, playing group, high performance and medical teams, as well as recruiting and off-field development.
Amongst a number of significant achievements in his time as Head of Football, the Blues’ former premiership player also successfully managed the implementation and integration of the AFLW program at the Club since its historic inception in the AFL in 2016.
Andrew McKay oversaw the implementation and integration of Carlton's AFLW program. (Photo: AFL Media)
McKay, who boasts a veterinary science degree, said the time was right to move on from his role at Carlton.
“The Club clearly means a lot to me but the time is right to step away at the end of the season,” McKay said.
“I have been here for seven years as an administrator and eleven as a player - the Carlton environment is all I know. I need to experience other environments to enable me to develop further. I am really open-minded to new professional challenges out there within the industry and more broadly in time to come, but I firmly believe that Carlton’s football programs are now in a good position and the Club is on track to get back to sustained success.
“I am incredibly thankful to the Club for the opportunity to work at the Blues and I depart with some very fond memories. I am excited and energised by the opportunities ahead.”
CEO Cain Liddle paid tribute to McKay and his extensive contribution to the Carlton Football Club since he first arrived as a player in 1993.
Andrew McKay, a Carlton Hall of Famer, enjoyed a highly decorated playing career at the Blues. (Photo: AFL Media)
“In my short time at Carlton, I have been lucky enough to see firsthand the great impact Macca has had on the club through his tireless work ethic, his strong relationships and his passion for Carlton. He is a Carlton person through and through,” Liddle said.
“His experience and measured approach will be missed, but we understand Macca’s decision in wanting to explore other opportunities and after seven seasons in the Head of Football role, he departs with our very best wishes”.
“’I’d like to thank Andrew, his wife Sam and children Abbie, Charlie and Sophie for all that they have contributed to Carlton.”
McKay first joined Carlton as a player in 1993 through to 2003, lifting the 1995 premiership trophy and captaining the Club before being named a Life Member and inducted into the Blues’ Hall of Fame.
The Club will commence its recruitment process for a replacement immediately.
