“Clear air and no distractions”: Premiership Demon makes call on future

Melbourne premiership defender Steven May has retired ahead of the 2026 season with one year to go on his contract.

May was currently on personal leave from the club, and announced he was stepping away from the game via social media.

"It's with a heavy heart that I've decided to step away and retired from the AFL," the post read.

"It's an incredibly tough decision to make on the eve of the season but I know it's the right one for myself, my family and the team.

"As a kid from Darwin, all I ever wanted was to play one game of AFL. To have lived that dream and had the career I've had is something I'll be forever grateful for.

"Thank you to the Gold Coast Suns for initially giving me that opportunity, starting in the inaugural season sure was an experience I'll never forget and happy to have played a tiny role in the club's inception.

"Thank you to the Melbourne Football Club for seeing something in me and pursuing me, it was a hard decision to leave my club but a decision that paid dividends and I'll forever be a premiership player for such a historic club. It truly was a privilege to have been part of this club and this group of boys. The lifelong relationships and memories will stay with me forever.

"Right now the club, Kingy and the boys deserve some clean air and no distractions moving forward, and I wish the lads nothing but success ahead. Very exciting times for our fans."

 

 

 

 

 

 

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May's decision came the evening before the closing of the SSP period (March 2). He has opened a vacancy at the club, which could be utilising in the mid-season draft.

Melbourne were willing to trade May at the end of last year, despite having one year left on his contract.

There was brief links to Collingwood, while the Western Bulldogs posed as a potential landing spot, but in the end, found no suitors.

Melbourne CEO Paul Guerra said: "We thank Steven for his efforts in the red and blue and the commitment he brought to the club during his time.

"We're pleased that Steven has made the decision that, at this stage of his life, stepping away from football to focus on building a positive future for himself and his family is his best path forward.

"We wish Steven and his family all the best as he embarks on the next chapter of his life."

The inaugural Gold Coast Sun spent eight seasons in Queensland, two of which were captain, before he made the move to the Demons ahead of 2019.

May featured in Melbourne's drought-breaking premiership in 2021, and was named in the All-Australian side in that year, and in 2022.

He finished with 251 AFL games.