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Carlton forward Harry McKay admits it was “flattering” to have attracted interest from rival clubs but insists he never had any intention of leaving the Blues even amidst a major club review of a disappointing season.
The Blues confirmed on Tuesday that their key marksman, who they hope will play a major role in their quest for a 17th flag, had re-signed for two years and will remain at the club at least until the end of 2023.
Harry McKay has re-signed with Carlton.Credit:Getty Images
The Age reported last month that McKay was to open negotiations during the mid-season break, and a deal has now been done. The No.10 pick in the 2015 draft, he will come out of contract in time to be a restricted free agent.
The Bombers were one team who had shown interest, while North Melbourne great Wayne Carey argued in his weekly column in The Age that the Kangaroos should have offered McKay a “godfather” offer of at least $1 million a season over five years. Carey also questioned how tight the Blues’ salary cap was after an off-season splurge, and the need to re-sign Patrick Cripps, a deal not yet completed.
While McKay’s twin brother Ben last week re-signed for two years with the Kangaroos, Harry said he had never thought of leaving Princes Park.
“It’s always nice to know that you are wanted to a degree ... but my discussions were only ever with Carlton and I fully, the whole time, wanted to re-sign with Carlton,” he said.
McKay put a positive spin on the extensive review of the club’s entire football operations, which has already seen assistant coach John Barker depart and has put coach David Teague under the spotlight despite this being only his second full season in charge.
“I think in a high-performance environment, getting feedback and looking at ways we can do things better, I only see it as a positive thing. Obviously, if we were absolutely flying, it might not be in place but I think an opportunity to get better and look at some feedback and look at ways we can improve, is only a positive,” McKay said.
“The review hasn’t wavered my optimism of the club or I think of where we are heading. I think it will be a really good opportunity for us … to go up the ladder.”