CARLTON co-vice captain Jacob Weitering and 2021 Coleman Medallist Harry McKay were officially recognised as Life Members of the Carlton Football Club at last night’s Guernsey Club and Carltonians dinner.
Players who have played 10 seasons and 100 senior Carlton games or alternatively 200 Carlton senior games are eligible for Life Membership.
One-club players, Weitering and McKay have played in 206 and 142 games in the Navy Blue respectively since being drafted together over a decade ago.
Selected by Carlton with the No.1 pick in the 2015 AFL Draft, Weitering is now a co-vice captain and has grown into a formidable force in the backline.
Wearing jumper No.23, he has established himself as arguably the best key defender in the competition, on his way to becoming a dual John Nicholls Medallist (2020 and 2023) and earning his long‑awaited All‑Australian blazer in 2024.
Weitering said it was an honour to receive Carlton Life Membership.
“Since walking through the door as a teenager to now being awarded Life Membership, the time has truly flown by - I am so grateful for every moment at Carlton,” Weitering said.
“To be entrusted with the co-vice captaincy of a club with such a rich history is a true honour and a responsibility I never take lightly. I am grateful to be to have played a small part in this incredible Club.
“I can't describe how appreciative I am of all the support I’ve had throughout my time here at Carlton, from my family, teammates, coaches and support staff.”
Sharing their entire Navy Blue journey together, McKay was selected alongside Weitering via the 2015 AFL Draft with pick No.10, a fitting coincidence for the forward who now proudly wears the Club’s No.10 guernsey.
Standing at over 200cm, McKay has been a pivotal presence in the Blues’ forward line, kicking 277 career goals to date. He claimed the 2021 Coleman Medal with 58 goals and was Carlton’s leading goalkicker for three consecutive seasons (2019–2021).
Harry McKay said being recognised with Life Membership was a great privilege.
“It’s been an honour to spend my career to date at Carlton: the Club that has helped shape me both on and off the field. I am incredibly thankful for every moment I’ve had in the Navy Blue and can’t wait for many more,” McKay said.
“I don’t take for granted every time I get to pull on the Navy Blue guernsey, and I want to thank not only the Club but also the members and fans for all their support for me not only in the past few years, but across my whole career.
"It is a true privilege to be a part of this Club."
Today’s announcement comes just weeks after the Club hosted its eighth annual Life Members Luncheon at the picturesque Kew Golf Club, an event Weitering and McKay will no doubt attend for years to come.
Carlton President Rob Priestley said both McKay and Weitering were thoroughly deserving of the honour.
“Life Membership is one of the highest honours to receive from the Carlton Football Club: it recognises a meaningful contribution over a significant period, which both Jacob and Harry have certainly made in over a decade at the Club," Priestley said.
“Jacob has wholeheartedly embraced the responsibility that comes with being co-vice captain and is someone who leads with integrity. He consistently sets high standards for himself and others, earning the respect of everyone within the Club.
“Harry’s growth over 10 years at the Club reflects the humility he embodies. Despite possessing such notable individual attributes, as demonstrated by claiming the 2021 Coleman Medal, he is a genuine club‑first individual who consistently puts the team ahead of his own accolades.
“The loyalty and dedication both players continue to show is admirable, being role models in what it means to put Carlton first and taking pride in representing our Club.
“I know both Jacob and Harry are fiercely determined to achieve a lot more in the Navy Blue. We are proud to recognise them as Carlton people with Life Membership and our congratulations also extend to the entire Weitering and McKay families.”
