Mark Robinson in fiery on-air spray at Harry McKay over Carlton woes

Carlton forward Harry McKay has been torn to shreds during a fiery on-air rant from Mark Robinson, with the AFL 360 co-host warning that he could “turn out to be one of the worst long-term signings” in AFL history, if he doesn't rediscover his goal-kicking form. McKay finished without a goal to his name for the Blues in their latest defeat to the Western Bulldogs in round nine.

It continued a sorry run of form for McKay and Carlton, who have lost four of their last five games to slip out of the top eight. McKay - who won the 2021 Coleman Medal as the AFL's leading goal-kicker - continued his worrying slump that will no doubt have Blues coach Michael Voss more than a little worried.

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McKay's woes in front of goal were typified by a set from from 30 metres out and directly in front, that should have resulted in an easy goal for the 25-year-old. However, the Blues' ace opted for his preferred snapping technique instead of a more orthodox approach and ended up sending the ball wide of the posts.

McKay is tied to the club until the end of the 2030 season after signing a big-money, seven-year contract extension with Carlton in 2022. Speaking on AFL 360 on Tuesday night, Robinson highlighted McKay's current plight in a blistering on-air spray and said Carlton's big-money investment could turn out to be a disaster if they can't find a way to fix the forward's current shortcomings in front of goal.

“Harry McKay has kicked 21.22 (goals and behinds) and had 56 shots at goal,” he said. “We talk about money - no one else does, the media does and the fans do - he’s an $800,000 player and Carlton have got him until 2030.

“Harry McKay has to fix himself because Carlton can’t have a player for the next seven bloody years kicking the ball like that. It will turn out to be one of the worst long-term signings they’ve made, or Harry has got to somehow get through these mental demons and he’s paid to get through these mental demons. He’s got to fix it."

Harry McKay has 'lost games for Carlton'

Robinson's withering assessment of McKay also included claims from the AFL 360 co-host that the forward has single-handedly lost games for Carlton because of his poor goal-kicking form. Robinson acknowledged that the Blues had to share the blame for their defeats collectively, but pointed to a number of instances where the forward has let his side down badly.

“He has lost games for Carlton, that is a fact. Other players have played bad, but Harry has had the opportunity, ball in hand, to win games of football and he hasn’t," Robinson added. “That hurts Carlton, that hurts Vossy, that helps pour the scorn and the vitriol and the pointing of fingers at Michael Voss and the administrators of the club.”

Carlton (4-1-4) and McKay will be hoping to get their season back on track when they face in-form rivals Collingwood in a blockbuster clash at the MCG on Sunday. The Magpies (8-1) are sitting pretty on the top of the ladder after their crushing round nine win over GWWS that made it five straight victories for Craig McRae's side.

with AAP

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