McKay signs for 7 years

Blue stays long-term

CARLTON has moved early to secure the long-term future of star forward Harry McKay and lock him in on a monster seven-year contract.

The 24-year-old wasn’t out of contract until the end of next season but has baulked at free agency and inked a deal that keeps him at the club until at least the end of 2030.

“It is a dream job playing footy but to do it with this group, where a lot of us have grown up together in a way, it makes this a unique and special environment to be part of,” McKay said.

“To come to work every day as part of a group that has a clear vision of where we want to take our football club, that gives you every motivation you need as a player.

“Add to that the support we have from everyone at the club, as well as the most passionate supporter base in the country, to play for the Carlton Football Club really is something special.

“All those reasons make it obvious why I wanted to commit long term, now the focus is putting ourselves in a position at the end of each season to make a real impact.”

McKay’s signature follows fellow forward Charlie Curnow signing a six-year deal and Sam Walsh signing for four. Carlton captain and Brownlow medallist Patrick Cripps penned his own six-year extension a year ago.

“We approached this year with a key focus on retention, to have Harry now sign for six years, off the back of Charlie and Sam Walsh, each commitment has been made in a way that aligns with our list management strategy, which is really important for the long-term planning for our football club,” Carlton head of list management Nick Austin said.

“We speak a lot about driving standards and creating an elite environment and Harry has been central to that.

“Beyond his obvious hunger to improve as an individual, his desire to improve himself as a leader and help his teammates take that next step has really seen Harry elevate himself to a new level.

“To know that until at least 2030 our members and supporters can enjoy the sight of Harry McKay in full flight, leading out of the forward line, surrounded by that electric atmosphere only the Carlton faithful can generate – that should make every Carlton person extremely excited.”