Carlton key forward Harry McKay has lifted the lid on the "strange" trade speculation that was embroiled throughout the Melbourne-Christian Petracca saga.
McKay's name was thrust into the spotlight as a potential bargaining tool for the Blues to lure Petracca to Ikon Park despite the club denying any intentions to do so.
Since, the Demon star has recommitted his allegiance to the club, while the tall Blue was assured that he wasn't going anywhere by key stakeholders at Carlton.
But that wasn't before a chaotic 48 hours, where McKay felt like he was "collateral damage" throughout the commotion.
โI remember the next day, I was leaving the club, and there was a young family โ a mum and three daughters โ were there and had their Carlton jumpers on,โ McKay said on the Ben and Harry podcast.
โ(They were) asking for a photo and an autograph. The young girl would have been six or seven, but when I was signing, she was like, โAre you getting swapped to Melbourne? Please don't say you're getting swapped to Melbourne'.
โI'm not sure people fully understand โ they might think it's just part of the job, and that's what you put up with as a player.
โThere's definitely an element of that. When you have been around for a while like us, you've seen it all, a little bit. It's funny the amount of calls, messages and family members checking in.
โI think sometimes we need to have more awareness around throwing a name (around) hypothetically up and not understanding the collateral damage that (it) has sometimes."
McKay was grateful for how Carlton dealt with the speculation, flagging the club's "really good culture" and relaying his significance to the side via key stakeholders.
Despite the external noise, the Blues have put their heads down as they prepare for a do-or-die clash against Brisbane on Saturday at the Gabba.
McKay is one of five potential inclusions for the side, with Michael Voss confirming the return of Sam Docherty.
Saturday's teams will be revealed Thursday at 6:20 pm (AEST).
