McKay, Massimo Murdocca and Mitch Nichols have all penned new deals with the A-League leaders.

The captain had his mind made up some time ago and said a pre-season clash against Newcastle Jets convinced him that the ingredients for success were in place.

"We played Newcastle away in the last week of pre-season and we beat them 1-0. It was a real grinding result," McKay told the Courier Mail.

"I knew that the team was going to be very special. From there it's built and I always wanted to stay."

"I did have offers, in Australia and abroad, but I'm very happy to stay here."

McKay was part of a Roar side that endured a largely miserable campaign last year and there were plenty of people ready to put the boot in as Ange Postecoglou began to mould the set up he wanted.

He added: "This time last year my thoughts were elsewhere but from day one of pre-season it's been great and Ange (Postecoglou) has been great."