Carlton Blues star Harry McKay ruled out of Western Bulldogs clash, personal reasons

Gun Carlton forward Harry McKay has been ruled out of Friday night’s clash with the Western Bulldogs due to personal reasons.

The 2021 Coleman Medallist missed last week’s game against Hawthorn, which the club said was due to illness.

He was given time away from the club due to personal reasons after the Hawks clash, and although he returned to training on Wednesday, he won’t play at Marvel Stadium on Friday night as the Blues aim for their first win of the season.

“The 27-year-old’s wellbeing remains a focus as he continues to work through a personal matter,” Carlton said in a statement.

“The club is providing the appropriate support to McKay, with his availability for round four to be determined next week.”

McKay’s unavailability is a huge blow to the Blues, who have opened their premiership campaign with consecutive defeats to Richmond and Hawthorn.

Backed as hot favourites against the Tigers in round one, Michael Voss’ men led by 41 points during the second quarter but conceded 12 of the last 14 goals to suffer a 13-point defeat.

Carlton great Brendon Fevola said it was “one of the darkest nights in Carlton’s history”.

The Blues then slumped to a 20-point loss to the Hawks.

A silver lining for the Blues is their other star key forward, two-time Coleman Medallist Charlie Curnow, is fit again after an injury-interrupted pre-season.

Curnow missed the Tigers clash due to a knee injury but faced the Hawks.

He went goalless for just the second time since round one of the 2022 season.