Carlton head of strategy John Barker believes a bigger and stronger Harry McKay is ready to make his mark on the competition, following a wretched run with injury.
The No.10 selection in the 2015 NAB AFL Draft did not make his debut until Round 18 this year, managing just two games, before a toe ailment ruled him out for the final four rounds.
“Harry McKay’s got a lot bigger and as you know with those guys as tall as he is around the 6’7, 6’8 mark when they’re younger they take a bit of time to get going, but he’s put on a bit of muscle this year,” Barker told SEN Breakfast.
“Through a bit of injury and circumstance he hasn’t had the opportunities of some of our other draftees over the last couple of years, but he’s tracking reasonably well and we’re hopeful you see a bit more of him.”
Barker expects fellow tall forward Charlie Curnow to continue his solid development, with the potential to spend some time in the midfield and improve their contested ball numbers.
“He’s going to be a significant player for us, we know that,” he said.
“We don’t want to place too much pressure on him, but super athleticism, massive tank, actually got some speed too, so he’s been gifted from that sense.
“He’s got some innate abilities in the contest and also reading the ball. But there’s nothing stopping him from going through our midfield as well and playing as a contested player in there.”
He also revealed the club has been implementing parts of the upcoming AFLX concept into their training, with repeat efforts being a major focus.
“We are implementing that in our program, we’re going to do that a little bit closer to when it starts, but it does require some fairly solid repeat speed,” Barker said.
“The boys who do play in the series will be growing their lactic times no doubt.”