Free Agency Ben McKay [Joins Essendon as RFA]

[Flags_In_The_Bag]

From rumblings I've heard the only likely option outside of re signing with North is joining his brother at the Blues. Apparently we are anticipating that TDK may be out the door so have some free space for Ben.

If he's able to attract band 1 compo for North I think they'd let him walk if he was to request a trade but teams like the Blues, Geelong, Dogs etc who would be looking at him wouldn't have that much cap space to throw around.

The other issue is Lewis Young's breakout, he was fantastic last year and although not as strong as McKay a very high quality 2nd fiddle to Weiteirng. If McKay did join the Blues would they fit Weitering McKay and Young in the same backline? Or would one them have to play purely as a 3rd tall interceptor?

Cant be at the same place at the same time as there is only one of them and this would expose that.

 

[Flags_In_The_Bag]

I have heard the boys are warming to playing together too. Even with all that we would be offering less than other clubs though. We need a good season for it to be a reality.

You have heard this first hand or you wish to say it to somehow gather some credibility, and it to suit the club you follow, love how all the posters have heard stuff that suits who they want in their side.

 

[jackenny]

Carlton are not chasing Ben McKay

32

Ben Mckay

Age

27

Ht

202cm

Wt

104kg

Pos.

Def

Career

Season

Last 5

D

7.5

2star

K

3.7

1star

HB

3.8

3star

M

2.7

3star

T

1.7

4star

MG

77.2

1star

D

7.5

2star

K

4.5

2star

HB

3.0

2star

M

2.5

3star

T

1.5

2star

MG

88.5

2star

D

7.0

2star

K

3.4

2star

HB

3.6

3star

M

2.4

3star

T

2.0

4star

MG

67.8

1star

. I don’t care if you’ve heard ‘rumblings’ that the brothers are warming to the idea of playing together; Harry has diddly input into Carlton’s list management (duh) and Ben even less so as he isn’t even part of Carlton.

Carlton have Weitering. It wouldn’t make sense to bring in another key defender at a premium salary (to cause band 1 compo). Makes more sense to chase a premium small forward or a premium third back / small back.

 

[Adz2332]

Its tough, how much money does a team throw at him after only 52 games in 7 and a bit seasons. Due mainly to injury.

The talents there but how worried are teams about his durability

 

[Nutjob]

Its tough, how much money does a team throw at him after only 52 games in 7 and a bit seasons. Due mainly to injury.

The talents there but how worried are teams about his durability

This whole 52 games in 7 seasons is really misleading. He developed in the Vfl for 3-4 years before he really got much of a look in. He also had glandular fever, which derailed a season. He has had few injuries over the past couple years, but nothing major.


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[rye]

if a club gives this guy a contract worth band 1 theyre nuts

 

[ManOfClay]

I seem to recall one of the twins was regarded as having attitude/commitment issues as a junior - was it Ben?

He was simply awful yesterday and I saw him being defended as “having held north’s backline together for 3 years”. On that note - you’d have to say he was present at least, but holding it together? When Josh Bruce

17

Josh Bruce

Age

32

Ht

198cm

Wt

97kg

Pos.

D/F

Career

Season

Last 5

D

11.2

3star

K

6.6

3star

HB

4.6

3star

M

4.5

4star

T

2.1

4star

MG

90.4

1star

D

8.9

2star

K

3.5

1star

HB

5.4

3star

M

2.5

3star

T

1.3

2star

MG

90.4

2star

D

11.2

3star

K

5.6

3star

HB

5.6

4star

M

3.6

4star

T

0.8

3star

kicks 26 goals in 3 games and you get beaten by cricket scores every other week the questions have to be asked if any player in the back 6 is actually up to it.

I couldn’t tell if he was on Daniher or Hipwood yesterday, because nobody was ever in cooee. That’s on the north defenders

 

[bzparkes]

I seem to recall one of the twins was regarded as having attitude/commitment issues as a junior - was it Ben?

He was simply awful yesterday and I saw him being defended as “having held north’s backline together for 3 years”. On that note - you’d have to say he was present at least, but holding it together? When Josh Bruce kicks 26 goals in 3 games and you get beaten by cricket scores every other week the questions have to be asked if any player in the back 6 is actually up to it.

I couldn’t tell if he was on Daniher or Hipwood yesterday, because nobody was ever in cooee. That’s on the north defenders

Give him a break mate, he played for Carlton on Thursday night. He'd be knackered!

 

[ManOfClay]

Give him a break mate, he played for Carlton on Thursday night. He'd be knackered!

He worked bloody hard for those 10 touches two nights ago, you’re right.

 

[The acurate one]

Thanks for the explaination.
I just see it that in 7 seasons since being drafted (not counting 2023) he’s played 52 games.

Compare that to a Weitering 133, Harry McKay 86 or heck even a Charlie Curnow 84 who’s been cursed with injury and he’s missed significantly more.

Whether it’s north or another club, they would be wanting him to play another 100 games for them. But looking at his record on getting on the park to date, may put some off.

Let’s hope he can play 15+ games this year.

Would take a pick in the top five for Ben every day of the week.

Reckon North would as well

 

[Rich01]

Would take a pick in the top five for Ben every day of the week.

Reckon North would as well

Ability to get on the park is the big question mark for him.

 

[The acurate one]

Ability to get on the park is the big question mark for him.

And ability in general

 

[Enviable Tradition]

if a club gives this guy a contract worth band 1 theyre nuts

Id be more than happy for Port to do it.

Another win-win for Port and North.

It's a massive hole in our list and we have the cash as Lycett and Dixon's contracts end.

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[ManOfClay]

it’s like he’s checked out and doesn’t care that his next contract will be peanuts wherever he lands

 

[Ry009]

it’s like he’s checked out and doesn’t care that his next contract will be peanuts wherever he lands

No excuses has been shithouse tonight.

 

[SSSSSS]

He's got one foot out the door.

 

[WalshistheGOAT]

I'm very intrigued if we are the final destination
a) What he would cost us? I can't see us offering him huge money to trigger a band 1 compo.
b) What that means for the Weitering, Young dynamic? Does one of them move out of the backline? Weitering play as a roaming interceptor like he was drafted as?

Don't see why we'd be hugely into him but I guess its a wait and see right now

 

[Davey33]

Carlton are not chasing Ben McKay. I don’t care if you’ve heard ‘rumblings’ that the brothers are warming to the idea of playing together; Harry has diddly input into Carlton’s list management (duh) and Ben even less so as he isn’t even part of Carlton.

Carlton have Weitering. It wouldn’t make sense to bring in another key defender at a premium salary (to cause band 1 compo). Makes more sense to chase a premium small forward or a premium third back / small back.

And/Or a premium ruck.

 

[HawthornHawk]

Would be surprised if the Swans aren't into him

 

[jackenny]

And/Or a premium ruck.

I have a soft spot for Pitto. He ain’t premium, though.

But against the Saints, thought Carlton’s biggest issues were their inaccuracy / decision making kicking inside 50. Being at the game, the number of times kicking into the pack was chosen over kicking to someone in space was pretty frustrating. Also, more match fitness. The Saints are super organised but what’s really setting them apart is how bloody fit they all are.

 

[Bugz]

I'm very intrigued if we are the final destination
a) What he would cost us? I can't see us offering him huge money to trigger a band 1 compo.
b) What that means for the Weitering, Young dynamic? Does one of them move out of the backline? Weitering play as a roaming interceptor like he was drafted as?

Don't see why we'd be hugely into him but I guess its a wait and see right now

North will get Band 1 compo, no matter what his contract is. It will be the AFL's way of helping them, without handing out a PP.

 

[WalshistheGOAT]

North will get Band 1 compo, no matter what his contract is. It will be the AFL's way of helping them, without handing out a PP.

Highly likely, the secret formula stays secret for a reason.

 

[HBFlanker]

I think North will be happy with the Band 1 compo at this stage.

Has had 10 kicked on him in the last fortnight.

 

[tiger_tough]

I think North will be happy with the Band 1 compo at this stage.

Has had 10 kicked on him in the last fortnight.

What's happened to him? He's been terrible.

 

[HBFlanker]

What's happened to him? He's been terrible.

No idea. Might have checked out as others have mentioned.

Disappointing return thats for sure.

The compo is far more enticing at this stage.