‘A Grand Final Doesn’t Define You’: Blues Forward Harry McKay Takes His Time on Premiership Pursuit

Carlton’s principal forward, Harry McKay, has stated that his team isn’t in any “hurry” to secure a premiership, but he is confident they have the talent to achieve it in the near future.

The Blues had a disappointing finish to their 2024 season, ultimately getting knocked out of the elimination final by the eventual champions, Brisbane.

The previous year, they made it to the preliminary final, also suffering a defeat to Brisbane.

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With many expecting 2025 to be their year for ultimate success, McKay remains cautious about making bold statements.

“Without a doubt, the goal is to win one,” McKay remarked during an interview on SEN Radio.

“The squad is in a strong position right now to make a genuine push for success.

“As a collective, we’re right in the midst of our opportunity, and anything can happen as long as we’re still competing.

“So, I don’t believe there’s an urgency to win the grand final this year, although as a senior player, that’s the thought that runs through your mind each day.”

At 27, McKay is acutely aware that his playing years are limited, and that premierships become more elusive as time goes by.

“There’s a clear understanding that winning premierships is a tough task and as you grow older, that opportunity diminishes,” McKay explained.

So, how does the powerful forward, who scored 49 goals in the 2024 season, plan to secure a flag as quickly as possible?

“Essentially, you can only concentrate on the present, managing what you can control, and genuinely try to relish the process,” he shared.

“Because a grand final doesn’t define who you are as a player.

“Just endeavour to enjoy the role and the fact that we get to do this for a living, which is pretty remarkable, knowing that if we get enough things right, it will ultimately fall into place.”

Carlton will kick off their season against Richmond at the MCG on Thursday, 13 March.