Latest news with #HarryMcKay
News.com.au
a day ago
- Sport
- News.com.au
AFL 2025: Carlton coach Michael Voss weighs in on trade talk surrounding trio of stars
Carlton coach Michael Voss says he's stunned by the trade speculation surrounding some of the Blues' 'genuine assets'. There were multiple reports clubs would target forwards Harry McKay and Charlie Curnow, as well as midfielder Sam Walsh, this off-season. Curnow has booted 24 goals this year, while McKay, who missed several games for personal reasons, has kicked nine. Walsh has played in each off the Blues' 11 games but has been below his best. The midfielder comes out of contract at the end of 2026. Voss, who spent a part of Carlton's bye holidaying overseas, detailed his shock when first asked about Walsh's future at the club. 'Yeah, there was a bit of speculation about our boys over the last week or so, I nearly fell off my day bed in Fiji when I read some of it,' he said. 'It's really difficult to answer a hypothetical question. I think these boys know how valuable they are to us as people and as players.' Voss shut down suggestions the Blues could part ways with one of their Coleman Medal winners at season's end, insisting they're a commodity rival coaches envy. 'All I would say on that is that they (McKay and Curnow) are extremely important to us and they have since my time here over four years' he said. 'I'm also fortunate enough to talk to a lot of opposition coaches and know both of them come up in conversation quite a lot. 'When you've got them together, they're genuine assets, they can be distinctive assets for you and distinctive strengths. 'Talking as a coach, I love having them both out there, both playing in good form, I know how hard they are to play against, how much better we are when they're both there. 'From our point of view, that makes it a bit of an easy decision when there's any other speculation that comes with it.' Carlton has welcomed new chief executive Graham Wright to shadow the outgoing Brian Cook before the official change over in October. Voss said Wright had made his way to every department of the football club and had started to build relationships. 'We've got two seasoned leaders who are extremely experienced at what they do, from what I've seen the transition has been fantastic,' he said. 'I don't really see too much of a negative on that.'
ABC News
10-05-2025
- Sport
- ABC News
Blues star Harry McKay shines spotlight on mental health after early-season struggles
Carlton forward Harry McKay has encouraged people to open up about their mental health while reflecting on his struggles earlier this season. McKay was speaking on Friday night following the Blues' 15-point win over St Kilda in "Spud's Game", which honours late Saints great Danny Frawley and raises awareness for mental health advocacy. Earlier this season, McKay needed three weeks out of the game because of his mental health issues. "Any time you can, talk about it," McKay told the Seven Network. "A problem shared is a problem halved. So I think the more we can talk about it, speak to a mate, the better. "Everyone is so supportive and brings so much love, so it's really great to be able to have a night like this. "The more we can speak about it and get around each other and help each other, the world will be a better place." McKay played a crucial role in the Blues' defeat of the Saints, kicking three goals. Fellow key forward Charlie Curnow also kicked three majors in the win. Blues coach Michael Voss said it was crucial Curnow and McKay were playing together again. "Charlie and Harry are very important pieces to us. We just haven't had them together for a lot of games," he said. "The more games they play together, I feel like the back of the year, they'll hit some solid form. "They were really good again." The Blues sit in provisional ninth place on the ladder with a 4-5 win-loss record. AAP/ABC
The Advertiser
09-05-2025
- Sport
- The Advertiser
McKay's clutch goal seals gutsy AFL win over Saints
Harry McKay has capped his outstanding game with the match-sealing goal as Carlton beat St Kilda by 15 points in an AFL arm wrestle. McKay kicked his third goal from an acute angle late in the last quarter as the Blues bounced back from last week's bad loss to Adelaide, winning 11.11 (77) to 9.8 (62) on Friday. The MCG clash featured a crowd of 65,680 - easily a St Kilda-Carlton home and away record - for the annual "Spud's Game" in honour of late Saints great Danny Frawley. Carlton were outstanding, rallying from a succession of injuries that left them with one fit player on the bench at half-time. "I'm very proud - it's been a long time since we've had a win like that," said coach Michael Voss. "It didn't have a lot of brilliance in it - it had some brilliant moments - but it largely took a grind. "Get in the trenches, fight our way out of it, hang in for as long as we possibly could and wait for our moments." McKay had 19 disposals and 10 marks, while captain Patrick Cripps was also outstanding. Amid speculation about St Kilda trying to lure him after this season, Carlton ruck Tom De Koning engaged in an engrossing duel with Rowan Marshall and racked up seven clearances. Blues key forward Charlie Curnow injured his knee at training during the week, but he kicked three goals - all in the first half. The injury woes came elsewhere for the Blues. First, Mitch McGovern came off second-best in a clash with Liam O'Connell, and was subbed out of the game before being taken to hospital with a chest injury. The Blues jumped out to a 24-point lead in the second term and were piling the pressure on St Kilda. But as St Kilda started drawing level in contested possessions and gaining more territory, the Blues' interchange bench started looking like a casualty ward. Blake Acres went off with a shoulder injury, then Lachie Cowan was forced out with hamstring tightness. Nick Haynes, close to best afield in the first half, was left with a sore head after an accidental knock and Carlton ended the second term with only one available player on the bench. Haynes and Acres were able to start the third term, while Saints young gun Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera was also struggling with leg problems. But Wanganeen-Milera stayed on the field and had a game-high 30 possessions. Cooper Sharman kicked his second goal and the Saints drew to within six points, but Carlton stood firm under the pressure. McKay kicked his second goal late in the quarter from a generous free kick and the Blues retained their halftime lead of 14 points at the last change. It was a dour arm wrestle in the third term. After 28 stoppages in the first half, there were a whopping 35 in the quarter. "The third quarter, when the speed came out of the game, we were probably okay with that," Voss said. In a significant blow for St Kilda, small forward Jack Higgins was subbed out at three-quarter time, with club officials citing illness. Saints coach Ross Lyon said his team showed plenty of spirit, but said the way the game panned out for them was a "bit of a moving feast" that would need close analysis. "We just couldn't get quite gain ascendancy ... it was just a few different things throughout the game and ultimately they were able to take opportunities a bit more easily," he said. Harry McKay has capped his outstanding game with the match-sealing goal as Carlton beat St Kilda by 15 points in an AFL arm wrestle. McKay kicked his third goal from an acute angle late in the last quarter as the Blues bounced back from last week's bad loss to Adelaide, winning 11.11 (77) to 9.8 (62) on Friday. The MCG clash featured a crowd of 65,680 - easily a St Kilda-Carlton home and away record - for the annual "Spud's Game" in honour of late Saints great Danny Frawley. Carlton were outstanding, rallying from a succession of injuries that left them with one fit player on the bench at half-time. "I'm very proud - it's been a long time since we've had a win like that," said coach Michael Voss. "It didn't have a lot of brilliance in it - it had some brilliant moments - but it largely took a grind. "Get in the trenches, fight our way out of it, hang in for as long as we possibly could and wait for our moments." McKay had 19 disposals and 10 marks, while captain Patrick Cripps was also outstanding. Amid speculation about St Kilda trying to lure him after this season, Carlton ruck Tom De Koning engaged in an engrossing duel with Rowan Marshall and racked up seven clearances. Blues key forward Charlie Curnow injured his knee at training during the week, but he kicked three goals - all in the first half. The injury woes came elsewhere for the Blues. First, Mitch McGovern came off second-best in a clash with Liam O'Connell, and was subbed out of the game before being taken to hospital with a chest injury. The Blues jumped out to a 24-point lead in the second term and were piling the pressure on St Kilda. But as St Kilda started drawing level in contested possessions and gaining more territory, the Blues' interchange bench started looking like a casualty ward. Blake Acres went off with a shoulder injury, then Lachie Cowan was forced out with hamstring tightness. Nick Haynes, close to best afield in the first half, was left with a sore head after an accidental knock and Carlton ended the second term with only one available player on the bench. Haynes and Acres were able to start the third term, while Saints young gun Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera was also struggling with leg problems. But Wanganeen-Milera stayed on the field and had a game-high 30 possessions. Cooper Sharman kicked his second goal and the Saints drew to within six points, but Carlton stood firm under the pressure. McKay kicked his second goal late in the quarter from a generous free kick and the Blues retained their halftime lead of 14 points at the last change. It was a dour arm wrestle in the third term. After 28 stoppages in the first half, there were a whopping 35 in the quarter. "The third quarter, when the speed came out of the game, we were probably okay with that," Voss said. In a significant blow for St Kilda, small forward Jack Higgins was subbed out at three-quarter time, with club officials citing illness. Saints coach Ross Lyon said his team showed plenty of spirit, but said the way the game panned out for them was a "bit of a moving feast" that would need close analysis. "We just couldn't get quite gain ascendancy ... it was just a few different things throughout the game and ultimately they were able to take opportunities a bit more easily," he said. Harry McKay has capped his outstanding game with the match-sealing goal as Carlton beat St Kilda by 15 points in an AFL arm wrestle. McKay kicked his third goal from an acute angle late in the last quarter as the Blues bounced back from last week's bad loss to Adelaide, winning 11.11 (77) to 9.8 (62) on Friday. The MCG clash featured a crowd of 65,680 - easily a St Kilda-Carlton home and away record - for the annual "Spud's Game" in honour of late Saints great Danny Frawley. Carlton were outstanding, rallying from a succession of injuries that left them with one fit player on the bench at half-time. "I'm very proud - it's been a long time since we've had a win like that," said coach Michael Voss. "It didn't have a lot of brilliance in it - it had some brilliant moments - but it largely took a grind. "Get in the trenches, fight our way out of it, hang in for as long as we possibly could and wait for our moments." McKay had 19 disposals and 10 marks, while captain Patrick Cripps was also outstanding. Amid speculation about St Kilda trying to lure him after this season, Carlton ruck Tom De Koning engaged in an engrossing duel with Rowan Marshall and racked up seven clearances. Blues key forward Charlie Curnow injured his knee at training during the week, but he kicked three goals - all in the first half. The injury woes came elsewhere for the Blues. First, Mitch McGovern came off second-best in a clash with Liam O'Connell, and was subbed out of the game before being taken to hospital with a chest injury. The Blues jumped out to a 24-point lead in the second term and were piling the pressure on St Kilda. But as St Kilda started drawing level in contested possessions and gaining more territory, the Blues' interchange bench started looking like a casualty ward. Blake Acres went off with a shoulder injury, then Lachie Cowan was forced out with hamstring tightness. Nick Haynes, close to best afield in the first half, was left with a sore head after an accidental knock and Carlton ended the second term with only one available player on the bench. Haynes and Acres were able to start the third term, while Saints young gun Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera was also struggling with leg problems. But Wanganeen-Milera stayed on the field and had a game-high 30 possessions. Cooper Sharman kicked his second goal and the Saints drew to within six points, but Carlton stood firm under the pressure. McKay kicked his second goal late in the quarter from a generous free kick and the Blues retained their halftime lead of 14 points at the last change. It was a dour arm wrestle in the third term. After 28 stoppages in the first half, there were a whopping 35 in the quarter. "The third quarter, when the speed came out of the game, we were probably okay with that," Voss said. In a significant blow for St Kilda, small forward Jack Higgins was subbed out at three-quarter time, with club officials citing illness. Saints coach Ross Lyon said his team showed plenty of spirit, but said the way the game panned out for them was a "bit of a moving feast" that would need close analysis. "We just couldn't get quite gain ascendancy ... it was just a few different things throughout the game and ultimately they were able to take opportunities a bit more easily," he said.
Sydney Morning Herald
09-05-2025
- Sport
- Sydney Morning Herald
McKay's perfect strike seals Carlton's gutsy victory over St Kilda
Loading One perfect strike off Harry McKay's left boot sealed Carlton's victory over St Kilda but also ensured 'Spud's Game' would not be overshadowed by the so-called Tom De Koning Cup. Friday night's match was McKay's fourth back from a self-imposed mental health break, and his expert finish from 45 metres out and barely inside the boundary line – with only 77 seconds left, and the Saints coming hard – delivered the Blues a 15-point win. The first Spud's Game was held in 2021, in honour of the late St Kilda great Danny Frawley, who had a well-publicised battle with anxiety and depression before his death two years earlier. The 2025 edition threatened to be all about De Koning, the star ruckman the Saints are trying to prise from Carlton on a long-term free agency deal worth an estimated $1.7 million annually, but a resolution to that matter is still some way off. This was the Blues' fourth win in five games, and an ideal response to last week's 10-goal trouncing from the Crows, as they provisionally climbed into ninth spot after starting the season with four consecutive losses. McKay's fingerprints were all over it, from his match-winner – his third goal for the night, including a crucial one just before three-quarter-time – to his goal assist to Cooper Lord in the final term and also a key ground-ball win in Carlton's defensive 50. 'They're actually the best moments [kicking for goal in that scenario], and what you play footy for. It's really fun and reminds you of being a kid again,' McKay told Fox Footy. 'It's a real privilege to be on Friday night football for Spud's Game. We talked about it during the week. Obviously, [Frawley was] an inspirational person, and it's a privilege to be in this slot with St Kilda. They do the game so well, and it's a real honour for our club to be with them.
7NEWS
09-05-2025
- Sport
- 7NEWS
Harry McKay ices the game for Carlton with clutch goal in ‘fitting' moment
Harry McKay has capped his outstanding game with the match-sealing goal as Carlton beat St Kilda by 15 points in what was a 'fitting' finish to Spud's Game. The AFL's annual Spud's Game aims to shine a light on mental health, a cause championed so strongly by St Kilda legend Danny 'Spud' Frawley before he tragically took his own life and was posthumously diagnosed with CTE. McKay kicked his third goal from an acute angle late in the last quarter as the Blues bounced back from last week's bad loss to Adelaide, winning 11.11 (77) to 9.8 (62). It completes an inspirational turnaround from McKay, who took a short period of leave from the game earlier in the season to deal with some mental health issues of his own. Speaking to Channel 7 after the game, McKay spread the message about speaking up when you're struggling. 'As it's been said tonight, any time you can talk about it, a problem shared is a problem halved,' he said. 'So, I think the more we can talk about it, speak to a mate — everyone's so supportive and brings so much love, so it's really great to be able to have a night like tonight where we can bring it front of mind. 'The more we can speak about it, get around each other and help each other, the world will be a better place.' Triple M producer Jasper Chellappah summed it up: 'Harry McKay ices Spud's Game. Fitting.' The MCG clash featured a crowd of 65,680 — easily a St Kilda-Carlton home and away record — where Carlton were outstanding, rallying from a succession of injuries that left them with one fit player on the bench at half-time. McKay had 19 disposals and 10 marks, while captain Patrick Cripps was also outstanding. Amid speculation about St Kilda trying to lure him after this season, Carlton ruck Tom De Koning engaged in an engrossing duel with Rowan Marshall and racked up seven clearances. Blues key forward Charlie Curnow injured his knee at training during the week, he kicked three goals — all in the first half. The injury woes came elsewhere for the Blues. First, Mitch McGovern came off second-best in a clash with Liam O'Connell, and was subbed out of the game before being taken to hospital with a chest injury. The Blues jumped out to a 24-point lead in the second term and were piling the pressure on St Kilda. But as St Kilda started drawing level in contested possessions and gaining more territory, the Blues' interchange bench started looking like a casualty ward. Blake Acres went off with a shoulder injury, then Lachie Cowan was forced out with hamstring tightness. Nick Haynes, close to best afield in the first half, was left with a sore head after an accidental knock and Carlton ended the second term with only one available player on the bench. Haynes and Acres were able to start the third term, while Saints young gun Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera was also struggling with leg problems. But Wanganeen-Milera stayed on the field and had a game-high 30 possessions. Cooper Sharman kicked his second goal and the Saints drew to within six points, but Carlton stood firm under the pressure. McKay kicked his second goal late in the quarter from a generous free kick and the Blues retained their halftime lead of 14 points at the last change. It was a dour arm wrestle in the third term. After 28 stoppages in the first half, there were a whopping 35 in the quarter. In a significant blow for St Kilda, small forward Jack Higgins was subbed out at three-quarter time, with club officials citing illness.
