Premiership Demon Steven May is on the lookout for a third AFL club after reportedly being told to find a new club for 2026, despite being under contract.
It's clear the Demons are keen to move into a new era with some pace under coach Steven King, and the cutthroat call on May's future is a significant step.
But what Melbourne will lose might be a rival's gain, with very few 250-game premiership and dual All-Australian players out there on the open market, which has seen high demand for experienced defenders this year.
Any move for May does come with some baggage though, given his record of off-field issues that haven't been limited to fracas with teammates.
So which clubs might back their club culture and see the upside May might have for the next year or two?
We look at five potential landing spots for the 33-year-old.
3. Sydney
The Swans have continued to struggle with their key defensive options, with 2025 seeing their best stopper, Tom McCartin, being used in attack, depleting their options at the other end further.
If Dean Cox wants to persist with McCartin as a forward once more next year, then the Swans will need to bolster their backline stocks this off-season.
May has emerged as a bargain buy who still has plenty to offer, and if he were to head to the Harbour City, he might already be their best key defender outside of McCartin.
The arrival of May, coupled with the fitness of Logan McDonald, would bring some stability to the club's key position options and. help Sydney's prospects for another premiership push.
