Harry McKay will be out of contract at the end of this season.Credit:Getty Images
McKay’s manager Dave Trotter of Hemisphere and Carlton’s list manager Nick Austin agreed that with a season-shaping block of games ahead against the Bulldogs,Melbourne,Hawthorn,Sydney and West Coast they would wait to sit down during the Blues’ bye in round 13 for serious discussions.
The forward is a laid-back figure who has not turned his mind significantly to dollar terms or length of contract,but has expressed his strong preference to remain with the Blues.
McKay was the subject of a significant approach by Essendon in last year’s trade period when Adam Saad wanted to move to the Blues andMcKay was one of the first players Essendon asked for in exchange.
His brother Ben plays at North Melbourne and the Roos,who have salary cap space,would logically have interest in the Carlton key forward should he be inclined to move.
The key forward could command about $800,000 a year to move elsewhere. How much he is worth to Carlton is a more vexing proposition for a club that already has Charlie Curnow dealing with a long-term injury and the underperforming Mitch McGovern on significant contracts.
Carlton also have captainPatrick Cripps out of contract at the end of the year and are in discussions with him about a new deal.