Harry McKay’s Comeback at Carlton Soured by Devastating Head Knock as Brodie Kemp Sustains Achilles Injury

Harry McKay’s much-awaited return to Carlton was cut short after just 17 minutes due to a concerning collision with West Coast‘s Tyrell Dewar.

The forward had not played for Carlton since their surprising season opener against Richmond, as he took a three-week hiatus from the game for personal reasons.

At 27 years of age, McKay will now be sidelined for another week after being left on the ground following an unintentional clash with Dewar.

Dewar quickly regained his feet post-collision, but McKay appeared disoriented as he attempted to return to the game.

“He doesn’t look well,” Nathan Buckley remarked on Fox Footy’s commentary.

“That collision really unsettled Harry.”

After being taken off the field for a medical assessment, it was confirmed by the medical team that he would be substituted out of the match.

Such a scenario raises concerns for the key forward, particularly considering his previous history with concussion injuries.

Last season, McKay was embroiled in a controversial situation when he was not immediately assessed after a head knock during a match.

Though he was later cleared of a head injury, Carlton’s medical team received a please explain notice regarding the delayed response.

Carlton’s coach Michael Voss confirmed that McKay would miss the upcoming Good Friday match due to concussion protocols, although he mentioned that the player was feeling alright.

“Harry’s okay,” he said in the post-match interview.

“He’s currently in concussion protocols, which ensures he’ll miss next week as well.”

McKay’s injury wasn’t the sole issue for Voss, as he also had to contend with the loss of Brodie Kemp during the team’s impressive 71-point triumph over West Coast.

Kemp exited the field in the final quarter, suffering what appeared to be a serious Achilles injury while attempting to break free for a mark.

The young player collapsed immediately, lying still and clutching his left ankle.

“It’s a suspected Achilles injury for Kemp, and we will proceed with scans to confirm that,” Voss explained.

“Seeing that action typically doesn’t bode well… he’s in considerable pain at the moment.”

Injuries weren’t the only source of concern for Voss after the match; he recognised that despite securing a win, he was not satisfied with the team’s performance.

“I’m not quite sure how I feel today,” he admitted.

“It’s not a sense of relief. Getting the win is nice, but I quickly find myself looking ahead to next week.

“I should be here grinning from ear to ear, yet that’s not the case.

“That probably says a lot about it.”

The Blues will face North Melbourne at 3:20pm on Friday at Marvel Stadium, while West Coast prepares to take on Essendon at 6:10pm at Optus Stadium.