Carlton coach David Teague has praised key forward Harry McKay for playing through illness in the side’s win over Essendon on Sunday.
McKay was quiet early, but finished with four goals from 12 disposals and six marks. His efforts as the primary target were ultimately the difference in the match.
“I was super proud of Harry’s game. He won’t want me to say this, but he was a bit under the weather going into the game and he said ‘nah I can get the job done for you coach’,” Teague said post-match.
“He didn’t complain, didn’t tell any of his teammates, he just went out there and kept competing.
“You have examples of that throughout the year and once you walk over that white line you’re fit to play and Harry knew that and he got the job done so I thought it was a great effort.
“I think it’s just a bit of gastro, nothing too bad.”
The Blues trailed by as much as 21 points in the second quarter before turning the game on its head in the third and controlling the second half.
The Blues will likely be without fellow key forward Mitch McGovern after he injured his hamstring late in the game.
“I went up to him (post-game) and he just shook his head. He was pretty disappointed. But he just said 'I've been here, I know what to do, I'll be right' but yeah I think it's a hamstring,” Teague said.
Carlton will likely call upon Tom De Koning to replace McGovern, with the athletic ruckman making a strong return via the VFL on Sunday.
Midfielder Paddy Dow was also substituted out of the game early after copping a poke in the eye.
