SPEARHEAD Harry McKay has committed to a new deal with Carlton in a major boost for the Blues.
AFL.com.au understands the Coleman Medal leader has come to terms on a fresh extension to remain at Ikon Park.
He has signed a two-year deal to take him to restricted free agency in 2023.
McKay had parked talks until Carlton's bye last week when his management - Hemisphere Management - sat down with the Blues.
The 23-year-old, now into his sixth year, has booted 38 goals from 12 games this season.
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He is set to play in the Blues' match against Greater Western Sydney this weekend after being concussed (watch the incident in the player below) in the round 12 loss to West Coast prior to the bye.
McKay has been targeted by a host of Melbourne-based clubs in need of a key forward but has committed to the club that selected him at pick No.10 in the 2015 NAB AFL Draft.
"To be honest it wasn't an, 'Alright let's do two years so in two years' time it'll be easier to do whatever', it was more individually a timing thing and felt comfortable with two years and then after that who knows what can happen," McKay said.
"But I'm super comfortable and I see myself playing for the Carlton Football Club for a long time and that's a step in that direction.
"Although at the moment we're not exactly where we want to be, I have full faith that over the next couple of years we can get to where we want to be and climb back up the ladder. I didn't feel like I needed the club to pitch to me or anything like that, I felt like we had a good grasp on where we were as a football club."
McKay said outside interest was flattering, but he never entertained any other offers.
"I think the nature of the industry is that a player playing alright football who's out of contract is always going to get a bit of interest. As much as it was nice to have a bit of interest from other clubs ... the whole time wanted to re-sign with Carlton, it was just about finding a time to sit down and get it done. Although it was flattering to a degree, it was always with Carlton."
It comes as out-of-contract co-captain Patrick Cripps works towards a new deal, leaving Brodie Kemp, Sam Petrevski-Seton, Jack Silvagni, Marc Pittonet, Marc Murphy, Michael Gibbons and Eddie Betts among Blues unsigned for 2022.
