Carlton forward Harry McKay has been ruled out of Friday’s match against the Western Bulldogs due to personal circumstances. The 27-year-old, who won the Coleman Medal in 2021, also missed last week’s encounter with Hawthorn due to illness. After taking time away from the club following that game, McKay returned to training on Wednesday but will not participate in the match as the Blues seek their first victory of the season.
In a statement, the club expressed their commitment to McKay’s wellbeing as he navigates personal issues, with his availability for the following round to be assessed next week. Coach Michael Voss spoke about McKay’s situation, noting that while he has been managing some challenges and took a brief leave, he decided against playing this week. Voss emphasised the importance of giving McKay the necessary space to address his concerns, without setting a specific timeline for his return, but he remains hopeful for a swift comeback.
Voss reiterated the club’s supportive environment, stating that the focus is on the player’s welfare rather than performance, and expressed a desire for both the club and wider football community to rally around McKay during this difficult time.
McKay’s absence is a significant setback for Carlton, who have started their season with two consecutive losses. The team was heavily favoured to win against Richmond but squandered a 41-point lead to ultimately lose by 13 points, a result described by Carlton legend Brendon Fevola as “one of the darkest nights in Carlton’s history.” Following that, Carlton faced another defeat, this time by 20 points against Hawthorn.
On a positive note, fellow star forward Charlie Curnow, a two-time Coleman Medal recipient, has returned to fitness after overcoming injury issues that saw him miss the opener against Richmond. Curnow played against Hawthorn but had a disappointing outing, going goalless for only the second time since the beginning of the 2022 season.
As the team prepares for their next challenge, securing McKay’s health and support remains the primary focus for the Carlton Football Club.