CARLTON forward Harry McKay has committed his future to the Navy Blue, signing a two-year contract extension with the Club.
The new deal will see the Coleman Medal leader continue to spearhead the Blues’ attack until at least the end of 2023.
McKay has had a fantastic 2021 season, asserting himself as arguably the competition’s most dominant forward.
It is a title that has been well-earned by the 23-year-old, who has worked tirelessly to develop his game over the last five seasons since being selected with the No.10 overall pick in the 2015 NAB AFL Draft.
McKay booted 38 goals across the first 11 games of this season, including multiple goals in 10 of those outings, to already eclipse his previous season-best tally (26).
He also ranks in the top four in the AFL for contested marks, top three for marks Inside 50 and top 10 for goal kicking accuracy among key forwards to have had at least 20 shots on goal.
It is an emergence that Blues members and supporters have thoroughly enjoyed and will no doubt continue to over the coming years.
McKay said that while his new contract had been much spoken about publicly, his decision to re-sign was simply a straight-forward one.
“I was always staying a Blue,” McKay said.
“This playing group have been through a lot together since I came to the Club. A lot of us have been part of what we are building from day one, I’m committed to being here and helping us achieve our ultimate goal of winning our 17th Premiership.
“To the members and supporters who are sticking by us right now, it is an honour to play for you, to wear our club’s guernsey and we will be doing everything we can in the next few years to make you proud to be Carlton.
“I can’t wait for the second half of the year to get started and for us to perform to the level we know this group is capable of.”
Carlton Head of List Management Nick Austin said that McKay’s commitment was a testament to what this playing group are focused on achieving.
“Throughout this entire process Harry has always stated his intention to remain a Carlton player and not at any stage did he waver from that,” Austin said.
“As we’ve all seen, Harry has developed into an exceptional footballer. To lead the Coleman Medal at this stage of the year is a credit to the amount of dedication to his craft he has shown – he is the ultimate professional.
“What people perhaps don’t see are the steps forward Harry has taken as a leader of the football club. He cares a great deal about his teammates and knows to get the best out of himself, that comes from helping his teammates get better.
“We couldn’t be happier to have extended Harry and are pleased our members and supporters will be able to continue to see his qualities as a Carlton player and leader in the years to come.”
