Melbourne has failed to overturn defender Steven May's three-game suspension at the AFL Appeals Board for his bump on Carlton's Francis Evans in Round 19.
May will miss the next two matches of the season, including clashes against West Coast and the Western Bulldogs, after missing last week's contest with St Kilda due to a concussion.
The former Sun, who was charged with rough conduct, was unable to convince the Tribunal after a lengthy hearing of his legitimate attack on the ball that resulted in Evans drawing blood from his face, and losing a tooth.
The Tribunal hearing was a landmark decision for the AFL, setting a new threshold for the expectation on players to exercise a duty of care.
Steven May is fronting the AFL Tribunal on a Wednesday and ruining my plans to see Fantastic Four with my brother. Follow via @FOXFOOTY and this thread. pic.twitter.com/GlpFDjZMdB
— David Zita (@DavidZita1) July 23, 2025
However, the Appeals Board hearing, which lasted close to two hours, also came to the same conclusion as the Tribunal.
The Demons contended that the Tribunal's ruling was a legal error, as no reasonable player can anticipate the bounce of an oblong ball, indicating that the decision lacked common sense.
The Appeal Board dismissed the theory, concluding that the Tribunal's thorough hearing and reasoning were sufficient.
May will be next available in Round 23 against Hawthorn.
