Coleman Medallist Harry McKay has become the latest big-name Blue to recommit to the club, shunning free agency and signing a long-term Carlton contract.
The Blues on Monday morning confirmed McKay had signed a seven-year deal.
It means the star goalkicker is tied to Carlton until at least the end of the 2030 season.
Watch every match of the AFLW Season LIVE on Kayo. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >
McKay joins Charlie Curnow, Sam Walsh and Patrick Cripps as Carlton players to sign significant long-term deals.
The 24-year-old was due to become a free agent at the end of the 2023 season and had been linked to both Essendon and North Melbourne.
“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.”
Carlton list boss Nick Austin said McKay’s signature was a massive coup for the club,
“We approached this year with a key focus on retention. To have Harry now sign for seven 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,” 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 at the football club over the last 18 months.
“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 for what lies ahead.”
