Harry McKay inks long-term deal to remain at Carlton, receives criticism from Kane Cornes

Aidan Cellini

•
Harry McKay inks long-term deal to remain at Carlton, receives criticism from Kane Cornes image

Harry McKay has signed a seven-year contract that keeps him at Carlton until the end of 2030.

McKay's new contract rivals Melbourne's Clayton Oliver, who also signed a similar deal while teammate Charlie Curnow is contracted to the Blues until the end of 2029.

The 2021 Coleman Medalist joined skipper Patrick Cripps (2027) and Curnow in a long-term commitment to the club, while Sam Walsh and Zac Williams are locked to the end of 2026.

McKay has turned his back on free agency and his shunned any interest from rival clubs, including Essendon who had made a play in the past.

McKay is excited about the future of Carlton and his place in it.

“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.”

However, not everyone saw the long-term deal as good business, with media personality Kane Cornes believing it's "ridiculous".

"In terms of long-term contracts, they’re not going to work,” Cornes said on SEN.

“I guarantee you Carlton are going to get burnt, absolutely going to get burnt.

“Harry McKay has got a bad back and they’ve just committed to him for eight years, it’s a big commitment.

“Eight years is ridiculous if you’re going to be completely fair about it.

“You can’t come up with too many examples of long-term contracts that have worked out in the favour of the club, and this will be another one of those.”

McKay has kicked 174 goals from 86 games, including 103 of those in the past two years.

Aidan Cellini

Aidan Cellini Photo

Aidan has surrounded himself with all types of sport, but resonates most with AFL and basketball as he still plays both competitively. He loves being active and enjoys sharing sporting moments with friends and family.

In his spare time, Aidan likes to read biographies as well as keep active and healthy. He's also a big fan of Matthew McConaughey and Marvel movies.