Coleman Medallist Harry McKay has been lauded for “staring down” his goalkicking demons as the Carlton star nailed a memorable clutch goal that ultimately sealed a famous Blues victory.
With the Blues trailing Brisbane by five points with just over one minute left on Friday night, McKay took a strong contested mark in front of reigning Lions best and fairest Harris Andrews to set up a set-shot opportunity.
Crucially, McKay – often maligned for his wayward, inconsistent kicking at goal – slotted the major from around 35m out to give the Blues a one-point lead, which they held onto until the final siren.
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Fellow forward Charlie Curnow post-siren said Carlton players were “pretty bloody proud” of McKay, adding: “I reckon that can put the media to sleep a little bit. Well done ‘H’.”
Carlton coach Michael Voss said was delighted for McKay.
“He took his moment, and he wanted it,” Voss told reporters post-match.
“When you find yourself in those situations, you want guys who want the ball in their hands and he well and truly presented that way the whole night, and at the end he was involved in that contest and he finished the play.
“Go back, nail the routine” -Harry McKay | 05:02
“Harry works on his game enormously hard. He’s had a fantastic pre-season. He’s been in some unbelievable form and I think we should be talking about that.
“I’m very proud, and it’s not just him, it’s all the players to be able to hold their nerve. They stick to what they want to offer the team and they stay connected as a football team through really tough moments.”
Melbourne champion Garry Lyon said McKay’s ability to convert under enormous pressure was significant.
“Harry McKay, take a bow,” Lyon told Fox Footy post-game.
“Stared down at your demons with just over a minute to go, all of the eyes of the footy world on him and he just went back and coolly slotted it.
Carlton clinch one point comeback win! | 03:56
“The consequences of him missing there would’ve been another 12 months of discussion about his ability to get it done.”
Collingwood legend Nathan Buckley added: “We’re all looking at it and we’re all saying ‘this is the moment’. He has folded in that moment more often than not, but he answered a few critics and hopefully he can continue it.”
McKay told Fox Footy post-game a big personal focus over summer was to “have a routine that you could commit to and repeat every kick”, which helped him in Friday night’s clutch moment.
Asked what he was thinking in the moment, McKay told Fox Footy: “Bit of adrenaline, bit of nerves, bit of excitement. But I went back and did my routine – like I’ll do with every kick all year – and committed to the ball and it went through. It was a good feeling.
“I’m really confident that no matter what the moment is, to be able to go back and commit to your routine. I’ll miss some, I’ll kick some – but really committing to a routine each time, it gives you the best chance to kick the goal.”
‘It shows what momentum can do in footy’ | 06:39
Triple premiership Lion Jonathan Brown said it was clear McKay kicked with more clarity and confidence on Friday night.
“I loved his body language before his kicks tonight. Even the one he missed, I thought he was positive,” Brown told Fox Footy.
“He ran towards the fire tonight and embraced the pressure. You can only imagine the anxiety that would’ve been within his body when he was having his shots tonight – especially that last one – but I tell you what, this could set up his season and his team’s season.
“I saw a routine. There was no confusion as to whether he was going to snap it around the corner or whether he was going to kick it straight. He had the same routine for every shot – and that’s what you need.”
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