Carlton forward Harry McKay has set his sights on 2017 after an interrupted first year in navy blue.
McKay ran out for his sixth VFL game for the Northern Blues at the weekend, after his maiden season was unfortunately hampered by injury.
The 18-year-old took four marks and kicked a goal in the loss to the Bombers, with his performance seeing him feature in the coach’s best players for the second straight week.
On a personal level, McKay described his opening year as a fruitful one despite the disappointment of a long injury layoff.
“Frustrating is probably the best way to put it but it’s been amazing, the whole AFL experience,” McKay said.
“Even just all the training and getting to know all the boys, despite not getting to play yet. Being in the system for a year has been really good for me.”
Harry McKay lines up for goal against Essendon. (Photo: Graeme Furlong)
McKay averaged more than a goal a game for Northern (equal fourth at the club), despite a delayed start to the campaign and an early injury sustained in the Round 18 match against Richmond.
A stress fracture in his back kept him out for three months, before illness delayed McKay’s VFL debut by a further two weeks until Round 15 against North Ballarat.
Having now experienced a year in the AFL system, the youngster - who doesn’t turn 19 until December - said he was already looking forward to the long summer.
“The main focus now is on having a big pre-season to springboard into next year,” McKay said.
“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 was one of 30 Carlton-listed players to feature for the Northern Blues throughout the season, and was part of the VFL side’s 27 debutants throughout 2016.
“I think this year has been pretty positive on the whole, we’ll go in over the summer and build on the positive signs shown this year,” he said.
“We’re excited by what our team can bring, we had a lot of youth and excitement in the side against Essendon and that’ll hold us in good stead for the future, the young guys getting games under their belt.”
