Carlton giving McKay space, won’t be pressured by Pies occasion

Carlton coach Michael Voss says Harry McKay is “doing quite well” after taking some time away from the club recently.

The key forward has missed the last two Blues games due to personal reasons and is no certainty to return for this Thursday night’s blockbuster clash with Collingwood.

Voss says the club will continue to support McKay through his personal struggles as they did with Elijah Hollands who also took time away recently.

The Blues coach believes time and space is crucial in such an instance.

“The best thing we can do to support is to give space. He’s been able to get that space to work through a few things,” the Blues coach said on Fox Footy's AFL 360.

“He’s been back at the club since Wednesday and he played in the scratch match we had, as did Elijah, on Saturday.

“He was at the breakfast for the Peter Mac Cup (on Monday morning). He’s doing quite well.

“What I can say is when he does play, he’ll be ready to go.”

Voss insists the significant occasion at the MCG which kicks off Round 4 won’t define whether or not McKay graces the field.

He says the Coleman Medallist is in the mix for a potential return against Collingwood but no decision has been made just yet.

“Zero. (When) he’s ready he will play,” said Voss when asked if the crunch Pies clash would be the catalyst for a possible return.

“I saw him this morning with about 400 other people, I haven’t had that conversation with him (about playing).

“Again, sometimes the best way to show support is to step away.

“In this instance I’ve had my conversations I needed to have with him. My job right now is to step away and I’ll have the right conversation with him at the right time.”

The 0-3 Blues, who have lost all three games in 2025 despite leading at half-time, are in desperate need of a win when they face the 2-1 Magpies, who have won four of the last five meetings between the clubs.

McKay has thrice kicked four goals in his last six appearances against the Pies.