Biologically, the McKay brothers are mirror-image twins, mirroring each other in every characteristic. One is a left-footer, the other a right-footer. One plays as a full-back, the other as a full-forward. One has won a Coleman Medal, while the other has scored just one goal in total.

“One’s outgoing, the other a bit shy,” said their mother, Tracey, in a podcast earlier this year. This contrast was evident when they faced the media on Monday ahead of their first matchup as AFL players in next Sunday’s Carlton-Essendon MCG blockbuster. Harry did the talking, while Ben nodded along.

 

Harry and Ben McKay are preparing to play each other at AFL level for the first time.
Harry and Ben McKay are preparing to play each other at AFL level for the first time.CREDIT:GETTY IMAGES

Each has one size-13 foot and one size-14 foot, so they buy their boots and shoes together and swap as needed. If they can’t always put their best foot forward, they can at least put the biggest one out there. This detail comes from their mother, who is proudly happy to share everything about her boys, including their shoe sizes.

They are a curiosity, but ultimately, they are two brothers excited to play in a top-of-the-table clash that might break the record crowd between these heavyweight clubs – 91,571, set in 2000. Their excitement was evident in their affectionate brotherly banter.

Ben acknowledged the likelihood that they’ll face each other at some point on Sunday night. “It’s obviously a 50-50 chance whether it’s Harry or Charlie (Curnow),” he said.

Harry responded, “I think Charlie’ll kick 10. Maybe then you can come over to me?”

Ben replied, “We’ll see how it goes.”

When asked what would constitute a pass mark, Harry said, “As long as we win, it’d be nice to get a couple. We’ll have to wait and see.”

And then he added, “Maybe five!”

The McKays, competitive in everything for the past 26 years, have only formally faced each other once before, in a VFL game a few years ago. Otherwise, it’s as if they’ve been magnetically repelled. Injuries, form, and suspensions have wickedly conspired to keep them apart.