Melbourne captain has defended Steven May's position at the club despite being put on the trade table with one more year to go in his contract.
May was told during his exit meeting to explore his options, as new coach Steven King is set to embark on an exciting era, focusing on developing the next generation of defenders.
Melbourne List Manager Tim Lamb said the club was more than happy to retain the left-footer, but would support any move.
"We had a really honest and mature conversation with Steven about what the future looks like," Lamb said in September.
"He's been a great player for our club, and is contracted for next year. So there's a strong chance he's still here. We spoke to him about the potential for him to extend his career, and if he could do that at another club, we would support that.
"But we're also really aware and really comfortable, if that doesn't work out for Steve, that he comes back in day one, preseason and gets to work."
However, despite May's brief links to Collingwood and the Western Bulldogs, no trade was brokered during the exchange period, and he's returned for a final year in the red and blue.
But Gawn believes that the former Sun is doing everything right to earn his position in the senior side.
"He is training his backside off to make sure that young guy they brought up doesn't get his spot, which is exactly what we want Steven May to do," Gawn said on SEN.
"He is a fabulous teammate, fabulous person and, biasedly, I am quite happy he is still there because I know the kind of player he can be."
Although May was retained, premiership duo Christian Petracca and Clayton Oliver both found new homes after years of attempting a move.
Petracca landed at Gold Coast while Oliver joined GWS, helping alleviate some salary cap pressure and drawing a line in the sand, signalling a change.
The Demons netted two first-round selections for the 2021 Norm Smith medallist, and a future third-round pick for Oliver.
Offers for the four-time Keith 'Bluey' Truscott medallist were much more fruitful in previous seasons, as he was linked to Adelaide and Geelong.
But Gawn felt that the club made the right call to "back us in to have another crack".
"I don't think we missed the boat by waiting a year," Gawn said.
"I like the fact that they backed us in to have another crack and now two years is enough data (for change)."
