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Carlton forward Harry McKay has become the latest AFL star to sign a long-term contract, inking a new seven-year deal with the Blues.
Carlton forward Harry McKay has committed his long-term future to the AFL club, signing a new seven-year contract.
The bumper deal will keep the 24-year-old at Ikon Park until 2030 and comes as the Blues enter what is expected to be a relatively quiet trade period.
Blake Acres is set to join Carlton from Fremantle, filling a hole on a wing, while Paddy Dow is exploring his options elsewhere after managing just four games this season.
McKay's new contract means the Blues have most of their key players locked away as they seek a return to the finals under coach Michael Voss.
Charlie Curnow (six years) and Sam Walsh (four years) signed long-term deals this year, while captain Patrick Cripps signed a six-year contract last June.
Full-back Jacob Weitering is locked in until 2025, with emerging ruck star Tom De Koning looming as the next major priority.
"It's great to get Harry and Charlie done in recent times and Tom is probably the next one that we're working through," Blues list manager Nick Austin told reporters on Monday.
"But we're comfortable with where that's at."
McKay had one more season to run on his existing contract and would have been eligible for free agency at the end of 2023.
His early extension is a major boost for the Blues.
The powerful 204cm marking target won the Coleman Medal with 58 goals in 2021 and kicked 45 this season as his partnership with Curnow flourished.
"It is a dream job playing footy but to do it with this group, where a lot of us have grown up together in a way, it makes this a unique and special environment to be part of," McKay said in a statement.
"To come to work every day as part of a group that has a clear vision of where we want to take our football club, that gives you every motivation you need as a player.
"Add to that the support we have from everyone at the club, as well as the most passionate supporter base in the country.
"All those reasons make it obvious why I wanted to commit long term, now the focus is putting ourselves in a position at the end of each season to make a real impact."
McKay was taken as an underage selection at pick No.10 in the 2015 draft.
Meanwhile, dual best-and-fairest winner Jake Lloyd has signed a three-year contract extension with Sydney.
The 29-year-old was selected by the Swans in the 2013 rookie draft and played his 200th game for the club in last month's grand final defeat to Geelong.
