LIVE: Blues big man signs monster deal

Carlton star Harry McKay has signed a monster seven-year deal to remain at Carlton with 12 months still to run on his existing contract.

The new deal, which will tie the key forward to the club until the end of 2030, matches Clayton Oliver’s agreement with Melbourne as the lengthiest contract in the AFL.

Taken with an underage selection at pick No.10 in the 2015 NAB AFL Draft, McKay has terrorised the league’s defenders the last two seasons, scoring 103 goals from just 38 for an average of 2.7 goals per game.

In a group working towards a return to the finals for the first time since 2013, McKay credited the environment at the Blues for his quick signing.

“It is a dream job playing footy but to do it with this group, where a lot of us have grown up together in a way, it makes this a unique and special environment to be part of,” he said.

“To come to work every day as part of a group that has a clear vision of where we want to take our football club, that gives you every motivation you need as a player.

“Add to that the support we have from everyone at the club, as well as the most passionate supporter base in the country, to play for the Carlton Football Club really is something special.

“All those reasons make it obvious why I wanted to commit long term, now the focus is putting ourselves in a position at the end of each season to make a real impact.”

Carlton’s head of list management Nick Austin spoke of the buzz in locking in McKay as a a part of Carlton’s promising squad.

“We approached this year with a key focus on retention, to have Harry now sign for six years, off the back of Charlie and Sam Walsh, each commitment has been made in a way that aligns with our list management strategy, which is really important for the long-term planning for our football club,” he said.

“We speak a lot about driving standards and creating an elite environment and Harry has been central to that.

“Beyond his obvious hunger to improve as an individual, his desire to improve himself as a leader and help his teammates take that next step, has really seen Harry elevate himself to a new level at the football club over the last 18 months.

“To know that until at least 2030 our members and supporters can enjoy the sight of Harry McKay in full flight, leading out of the forward line, surrounded by that electric atmosphere only the Carlton faithful can generate – that should make every Carlton person extremely excited for what lies ahead.”

McKay’s signature follows fellow Coleman medal-winning teammate Charlie Curnow (six years) and Sam Walsh (four years) who pledged long-term commitments to stay at the Ikon Park earlier this year.

Captain and Brownlow Medallist Patrick Cripps also penned his own six-year extension a year ago.