“I’m feeling pretty fresh. I haven’t really played since round one, so I am feeling good and the other players might be feeling a bit sore,” he joked.
McKay was quick to deflect the credit back to his teammates, who he said had given him huge support during his break from the game as have the supporters, who coach Michael Voss felt were almost willing the forward to the contest.
McKay climbs above the pack at the MCG.Credit: Getty Images
“I’m feeling really good. The boys have been really beautiful, and I am happy and grateful to be out playing footy again and doing something I love,” McKay said.
“Everyone has been so beautiful and supportive. To be playing with my mates again is really special.
“Sometimes it’s footy and sometimes it’s your life … there is nothing more important than your health.”
He said he was happy to speak up because “if it can help one person the job is done”.
George Hewett celebrates his sealer against Geelong.Credit: AFL Photos
Voss said he was confident that McKay would perform as despite his recent setback he had a huge pre-season and was in great shape to perform in the big moments. The coach said McKay wasn’t alone in meeting the moment, citing a last quarter tackle from Jacob Weitering and big goal from George Hewett as crucial in the result.
But Voss, who was renowned as a player for being a big-game performer, admitted it was “big” for McKay to do what he did for the team.
“You never walk to a game and say, ‘I am going to stand up in the moment’. You only ever stand up when the opportunity presents itself and it will show itself. You just have to be ready for it,” Voss said.
“[McKay] is an absolute pro and he has worked through a few things like that. I felt comfortable with the ball in his hands that it was going to end up the right way.”
Blues coach Michael Voss.Credit: AFL Photos
Voss could not hide his delight.
“You go on a journey with every single one of your players and every single one of them has a different one,” Voss said.
“I always believe as a coach you have got to believe in your people and that’s so important to do. When they are going through tough times you’ve got to keep showing the way.
“He’s been able to work through some things and I don’t want to overplay this guys, but I am just so pleased he has been able to come back. He is a critical person to us.”
Keep up to date with the best AFL coverage in the country. Sign up for the Real Footy newsletter.
