Carlton on Tuesday confirmed McKay had signed until the end of 2023 - welcome news for the Blues, who sit 14th and are preparing to commence an external review into their football department.

McKay welcomed the review but believes Carlton have the right people in place at the top, specifically naming CEO Cain Liddle, football boss Brad Lloyd and coach David Teague.

"You look at a lot of the guys in important roles: our CEO Cain Liddle, head of football Brad Lloyd, Teaguey as our head coach - I know it's spoken about a bit but having really good people in those roles is really important so I think we've absolutely nailed that," McKay told reporters on Tuesday.

"Then you look at the playing list, we've got a really good young group at the moment.

"Obviously we haven't shown our best football this year so far but I'm really confident in the list that we've got in the group.

"I feel like with the review it's a chance to get better and (in) high performing environments, looking at ways we can do things better, I think that'll only be a good thing - but I think all the foundations, the list, people in management roles is a massive tick.

"... The review hasn't wavered my optimism of the club or where I think we're heading - I think it'll actually be a really good opportunity for us to improve and really go back up the ladder."

The deal takes McKay, 23, through to restricted free agency at the end of 2023.

The key forward admitted the shorter contract kept his options open but stressed he expects his long-term future to be at the Blues and that he had faith in their direction.

"You never know what can happen in football and having the options is nice," McKay said.

"But to be honest, it wasn't a 'alright let's do two years so in two years' time it'll be easier to do whatever' - it was just more of individually, a timing thing, I felt comfortable with two years.

"Then obviously after that, who knows what can happen but I'm super comfortable and I obviously see myself playing for the Carlton football club for a long time, and this is a step in that direction."

McKay booted 38 goals in his first 11 games in 2021 before he was concussed in Carlton's loss to West Coast.

He said the bye had helped him recover while a niggling shoulder issue had also improved with rest and he expected to face GWS this week.

Australian Associated Press