Harry McKay said he was feeling “good” as he lined up to take the crucial kick for goal in what proved the defining moment in the Blues’ crucial win over Geelong at the MCG.
The star goalkicker had played just 10 minutes since round one after missing three games due to personal reasons then suffering a concussion in round five, which he revealed led to “four cracks” in his cheekbone that had him contemplating wearing a protective mask.
Harry McKay was the hero in Carlton’s tense win over Geelong.Credit: AFL Photos
Not only did it force him to miss another game but delayed his long-awaited return alongside Charlie Curnow inside 50.
However, with the game in the balance after the Cats threatened to run over the top of Carlton when they kicked the first three goals of the final quarter to drag the margin back to under two goals, McKay found himself lining up for goal to steady the ship.
He went back and kicked the goal to stretch the lead back to 17 points to slow the Cats’ challenge.
“I see those as the moments you want and, I guess, to have that ball at that stage,” McKay said. “As a forward that’s what you want, and it is always routine to go back and give yourself the best chance. It’s always nice to see it go through.
“Sometimes you get caught up in the actual playing and don’t actually realise how big those moments are, but it comes back to your routine.”
McKay then took two huge contested marks down the line to give the Blues field position.
“I’m feeling pretty fresh. I haven’t really played since round one, so I am feeling good and the other players might be feeling a bit sore,” he joked.
McKay was quick to deflect the credit back to his teammates, who he said had given him huge support during his break from the game as have the supporters, who coach Michael Voss felt were almost willing the forward to the contest.
McKay climbs above the pack at the MCG.Credit: Getty Images
“I’m feeling really good. The boys have been really beautiful, and I am happy and grateful to be out playing footy again and doing something I love,” McKay said.
“Everyone has been so beautiful and supportive. To be playing with my mates again is really special.
“Sometimes it’s footy and sometimes it’s your life … there is nothing more important than your health.”
He said he was happy to speak up because “if it can help one person the job is done”.
George Hewett celebrates his sealer against Geelong.Credit: AFL Photos
Voss said he was confident that McKay would perform as despite his recent setback he had a huge pre-season and was in great shape to perform in the big moments. The coach said McKay wasn’t alone in meeting the moment, citing a last quarter tackle from Jacob Weitering and big goal from George Hewett as crucial in the result.
But Voss, who was renowned as a player for being a big-game performer, admitted it was “big” for McKay to do what he did for the team.
“You never walk to a game and say, ‘I am going to stand up in the moment’. You only ever stand up when the opportunity presents itself and it will show itself. You just have to be ready for it,” Voss said.
“[McKay] is an absolute pro and he has worked through a few things like that. I felt comfortable with the ball in his hands that it was going to end up the right way.”
Blues coach Michael Voss.Credit: AFL Photos
Voss could not hide his delight.
“You go on a journey with every single one of your players and every single one of them has a different one,” Voss said.
“I always believe as a coach you have got to believe in your people and that’s so important to do. When they are going through tough times you’ve got to keep showing the way.
“He’s been able to work through some things and I don’t want to overplay this guys, but I am just so pleased he has been able to come back. He is a critical person to us.”
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