Ben McKay signs contract extension with North Melbourne

North Melbourne has shown faith in defender Ben McKay with a new contract giving an opportunity for the twin brother of Carlton’s Harry McKay to show the footy world what he already believes — that he belongs.

North Melbourne defender Ben McKay has set himself for a breakout season after signing a two-year contract extension with the club.

McKay wasn’t out of contract until the end of 2019 and last year sat behind Robbie Tarrant. Scott Thompson and Majak Daw in the backline pecking order.

But with Thompson suspended for Round 1 and Daw recovering from his injuries, there is an opportunity for McKay to show the footy world what he already believes — that he belongs.

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Ben McKay wants to repay the faith shown in him by North Melbourne. Picture: David Caird

“My first three years were a bit below par, by my standard, not playing as many games as I’d like,” McKay said.

“But in the next three years hopefully I can really make an impact and start showing people what I’m capable of.”

McKay, the twin brother of Carlton’s Harry and taken with the 21st pick in the 2015 draft, made his debut in 2017 but couldn’t break through for a senior appearance in 2018.

However, he made progress in the second-tier competition as a defender capable of going forward.

“I don’t like to put pressure on myself, but I’m one of those guys who thinks ahead and I really want to start making an impact at AFL level,” he said.

“It does come down to opportunity, but I’ve got to focus on what I can do and that’s not leaving any stone unturned, taking the game on and not being afraid to make mistakes and going for it.

“Whether that opportunity comes early or late in the year, it’s just about making the most of it if I get it.

“This summer I’ve been training with the main guys, probably for the first time in my career, which has been really good.”

Ben McKay only played senior footy in the preseason last year. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

McKay has locked horns with Ben Brown at Arden Street over pre-season and bulked up further to 102kg after following Tarrant around the weights room.

“Last year in the VFL I took the best forward … it’s a good feeling knowing the club want you doing that. It’s a challenge and I’m always up for the challenge,” he said.

“I’d love to take that role on in the AFL alongside our other defenders. That’s what drives me and excites me.

“Obviously at AFL level there’s no easy opponent, but I want to take the best.”

McKay said he had “never thought about playing anywhere else”, instead wanting to back himself in to make it at the Kangaroos.

“A lot of guys can sulk and drop their head when things don’t go their way, but it was a good character test to be positive and upbeat and hopefully I reap the rewards from that this year,” he said.

“The club has waited a long time for me to burst on the scene and when I do hopefully I make an impact and start showing everyone that I’m an AFL player.”

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Originally published as Ben McKay signs contract extension with North Melbourne