Carlton back McKay to turn goal-kicking around

Carlton coach Michael Voss has backed Harry McKay to get his goal-kicking right as the key forward attempts to work his way out of a slump.

HARRY MCKAY.
HARRY MCKAY. Picture: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images

Carlton have not put any extra work into their goal-kicking leading into their AFL blockbuster against Collingwood despite key forward Harry McKay being badly out-of-form.

The 2021 Coleman medallist wasn't the only culprit in the Blues' defeat to the Western Bulldogs last Saturday night, but McKay's troubles are prolonged.

The 25-year-old has managed just 12 goals from the opening nine games of the season, struggling with any confidence in his set-shot routine.

McKay had a golden opportunity in the first quarter against the Bulldogs, but elected to go with his preferred snapping technique from 30 metres out and the ball barely made it in for a behind.

Captain Patrick Cripps and young forward Jesse Motlop also had bad misses when choosing to snap from a set shot in the first-half.

Carlton coach Michael Voss said the forwards had put in "no more time than usual" on goal-kicking leading into the crucial clash with the Magpies on Sunday.

"It probably speaks to the fact that we back in the routine and what we're doing and what we need to be able to train," Voss said on Thursday.

"I don't think you want to become inconsistent in your approach. Week-to-week, you want to be backing in what you're doing and certainly getting enough time on our game in certain areas."

Voss said McKay had coped well with some scathing criticism and expected him to get back to his best at any point.

"There's been a lot of talk about his goal-kicking but as I expect from a professional, he gets on with the job and puts his work into his training and getting it right," Voss said.

"But look, I can only speak to the person in the time that I've had here and Harry's been an outstanding person for us, an outstanding character.

"He's not looking for a shortcut way through it.

"We've got to collectively get better and he knows where he's at with that and as a group we can certainly help him out with that."

The Blues have lost four of their last five matches to drop outside of the top-eight and face another major test against the high-flying Magpies at the MCG.

Carlton's finals dreams ended in brutal fashion last year when Collingwood pulled off a trademark comeback in the final quarter.