Ben McKay

Selected with pick 21 in the 2015 National Draft, Ben McKay took several years to establish himself at North Melbourne, spending significant time developing his frame in the VFL before breaking out as a premier key defender. Standing at 202cm, he evolved into an intercept marking specialist capable of locking down the opposition's most dangerous key forward, becoming a rare shining light during a difficult rebuilding period for the Kangaroos. For much of his time at Arden Street, his career was also humorously noted for a statistical anomaly where he consistently missed matches against his twin brother, Carlton forward Harry McKay, leading to a long wait before the siblings finally faced off at AFL level.

At the conclusion of the 2023 season, McKay exercised his free agency rights to join Essendon on a substantial contract, a transaction that drew attention due to the high-level compensation pick awarded to his former club. The move to Tullamarine was designed to bolster a Bombers backline in need of a genuine full-back, and he immediately settled in as the defensive anchor. Now entering the prime of his career, McKay is tasked with marshalling the Essendon defence and providing the structural stability required for the club's push towards finals contention.