Carlton have confirmed key forward Harry McKay has re-signed with the club on a new seven-year extension.
McKay, who would've been eligible for free agency next year, has recommitted to the Blues until the end of 2030.
The deal sees McKay join the likes of Charlie Curnow and Sam Walsh in re-signing with the Blues this season in what has been a year of promise for Michael Voss' squad.
After claiming the Coleman Medal last season, McKay added another 45 goals to his career tally in 2022 as he paired with Curnow to form a lethal one-two punch in Carlton's attack.
McKay expressed his delight in re-signing with the Blues, stating his excitement to be part of the "special environment" for the long haul.
“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 in a club statement,
“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 had gained reported interest from both Essendon and North Melbourne across this year in anticipation for the final year of his now-old contract.
Blues list manager Nick Austin said McKay's signature was another significant step in the club's planning for the future.
“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.”
McKay has played 86 games for Carlton since making his debut in 2017, booting a total of 174.
He joins Jordan Boyd (2024), Jack Carroll (2024), Matthew Cottrell (2024), David Cuningham (2023), Charlie Curnow (2029), Corey Durdin (2024), Sam Durdin (2023), Zac Fisher (2025), Josh Honey (2023), Matthew Kennedy (2025), Caleb Marchbank (2023), Alex Mirkov (2024), Lochie O'Brien (2024), Matthew Owies (2024) and Sam Walsh (2026) in having re-signed this year.
