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Find your frequency hereThe Carlton draftee that has “really excited” Harry McKay in his first pre-season
Lachlan Geleit, SEN • January 28th, 2025 2:09 pm
Carlton draftee Jagga Smith has impressed Harry McKay in his first pre-season at Ikon Park.
The No. 3 pick from the Oakleigh Chargers always loomed as a draftee that could make an immediate impact at the top level and McKay is excited about what he’ll bring to the side in his rookie year.
While Smith’s talent and ball-winning ability were well-known long before his name was read out by the Blues, McKay says it’s his off-field preparation and desire that has surprised most.
“Oh, Jagga Smith (is one that stands out), he’s pretty impressive as a kid and that’s I think the one that everyone will go to,” McKay told SEN Mornings.
“As a high pick you know he can play footy, but the way he's approached training has impressed, he's got time for everybody, and he wants to learn and get better which I love and in terms of his actual football he’s got some serious talent.
“It’s the way he moves and covers the ground. He's a fierce competitor as well. So, at this stage, everyone’s very excited about what Jagga might bring, but also, in the same breath, he's a first-year player.
“There's obviously lots of ups and downs and things to learn and work on throughout your first few years of footy.
“I’m not putting too much pressure on Jagga, but he's really excited so far.”
While two-time Coleman winner Charlie Curnow has had an interrupted pre-season with ankle and knee surgery sidelining him at stages this summer, McKay is excited about what the forward group can produce with Brodie Kemp moving inside 50 on a more permanent basis this campaign.
McKay has also been impressed by the summer efforts of youngsters Jesse Motlop and Ashton Moir who will hope to take the next step in 2025.
“Brodie Kemp's been playing as a key which has been awesome,” McKay said.
“Late last year he came forward and had some really solid games. Then over the pre-season, he's trained as a forward and I’ve really enjoyed working in the Kempy, he’s very selfless and team first and the flexibility he gives us is awesome.
“I always like pumping up our forwards, but we've had a very good summer, Jesse Motlop has been awesome, Orazio Fantasia has come back and is moving well, Corey Durdin has been awesome, and Ashton Moir has had a really good block.
“A lot of the forwards have had full pre-seasons, which is really great.”
Carlton plays GWS in an AAMI Community Series clash on Friday, February 28 ahead of their 2025 season beginning properly against Richmond at the MCG on Thursday, March 13.
Photo: @CarltonFC Twitter.
