AFL 2024: Carlton star Harry McKay fine to return against Collingwood

Carlton coach Michael Voss has revealed more details about the Blues’ selection circus with a star forward last week.

Carlton star Harry McKay is ready to return against Collingwood on Saturday night. Picture: Michael Willson / Getty Images

Carlton coach Michael Voss says Harry McKay “has been fine” despite his health being thrust into the spotlight following a head knock a fortnight ago.

The star forward is set to return against Collingwood on Saturday night after the Blues withdrew him ahead of their loss to Port Adelaide due to an unspecified illness.

McKay had been cleared of a concussion following a head knock the week before against Port Adelaide, causing the AFL to investigate Carlton’s management of the 26-year-old.

The league confirmed on Thursday it had completed its inquiry and was “comfortable with the medical management” of McKay.

Voss would not say what McKay’s illness was but the coach said he had no problem with the AFL asking questions due to the timing of his withdrawal.

“It was just game day, that was where it was reported, and obviously then we’ve got to go into the process of selecting the team,” Voss said.

Important wingman Blake Acres has ticked all boxes to return from a foot complaint along with McKay and Jordan Boyd against Collingwood. Picture: Michael Willson / Getty Images

“I don’t get too bogged down into what he has to deal with – I leave that to the doctors. It’s obviously privileged medical information, so we keep it at that.

“I think he’s been fine (with the heightened attention). The AFL were quite entitled to ask the question. Our doctors worked really closely with the AFL. They sent some information around the week and the timelines, the process that we needed to follow.”

Voss said the Blues were poised to enter Saturday night’s MCG blockbuster with their selected side, as Jordan Boyd (shin) and Blake Acres (foot) ticked off their final boxes to play on Thursday.

The duo along with McKay and returning forward Jack Martin both joined the Blues’ captain’s run at Ikon Park on Friday and appeared to move freely.

Repeat soft tissue injuries have kept Martin to only one AFL game this season in round 9, but he will play his 150th game against the Magpies after stringing together consecutive VFL games.

Voss said the Blues were likely to tag Nick Daicos as they planned how to derail Collingwood’s celebration of Scott Pendlebury’s 400th game – along with the Pies’ finals hopes.

Nick Daicos celebrates the winning goal after tearing away from Carlton midfielders at a crucial late stoppage in the Magpies’ round 8 win. Picture: Dylan Burns / Getty Images

“(Daicos) needs some attention … we didn’t get that 100 per cent right the last time that we played, but I take solace in the fact there hasn’t been that many clubs that have,” Voss said.

“We’ve got to be able to look after that, but we’ve also got a team system that we need to be able to play.”

Voss, who played in Pendlebury’s debut in round 10, 2006, said he admired the remarkable durability of the Collingwood champion.

“No, I don’t (remember his debut) actually – I didn’t pay attention to 18-year-olds actually back in that time,” he said.

“I pay attention to him now though, he’s had a fair career. It’s been amazing when you think 2006 and the journey he’s been on … from what I hear, it’s not finishing.

“That speaks to his durability over a period of time and how important he’s been to that football club … even when you’re an opposition coach, you can stop for a moment and admire great players in our game.”

Originally published as AFL 2024: Carlton star Harry McKay fine to return against Collingwood