Jacob Weitering has laughed off suggestions Carlton is better off without Harry McKay, backing him to make a difference on his return.
McKay is a chance for an early return from a knee injury suffered in Round 18 this weekend. But the Blues haven’t lost since he went out of the team as Charlie Curnow dominates a humming Blues forward line.
McKay had been in good form prior to his setback, booting eight goals in the three wins before he went down and vice-captain Weitering sees no reason why he wouldn’t return as soon as he’s fit.
“I haven’t read too much about it, I’ve certainly heard murmurings around it and I find it laughable, to be honest,” Weitering told SEN’s Whateley of the belief McKay should stay on the sidelines.
“It’s very hard to draft one key position player that you keep on your list for a long period of time, let alone a Coleman Medallist, and we’ve got two of them that are the same age and locked away for a while.
“They’re quality, quality players. Both different as well.
“Harry coming back probably takes the load off both of them and gives us two targets rather than just one… it's laughable to say you couldn’t have them both in the same team.
“Chemistry is always a thing that takes time to build and the more times they play together I’m sure the more they’ll enjoy playing with each other.”
McKay’s kicked 26 goals from 17 games this year after overcoming goal-kicking yips earlier in the year.
But Dermott Brereton shares a different opinion to that of Weitering.
If in Michael Voss’ chair, Brereton would leave McKay in the VFL this weekend, citing “real risk” if he returns.
“As much as people say, ‘wash your mouth at’… if it’s working beautifully, why do you want to take the risk of upsetting it?” he said on SEN’s Dwayne’s World.
“If you bring him straight back in and his touch isn’t good, that’s decreasing the touch of your team. I’d have a look at him for at least one week in the magoos… I’m thinking there’s risk, real risk, at playing Harry McKay, as to the risk of not playing him.
“I can’t see that a coaching panel would be unanimous one way or the other on that selection.”
Carlton has relied on Weitering and its defence more than the forward line in recent weeks, conceding an average of just 62 points a game across the last three weeks.
Curnow meanwhile has been double teamed two weeks in a row and largely been well held. He will welcome the return of his key forward partner.