Melbourne captain Max Gawn is still hoping that premiership defender Steven May returns to the club as doubt clouds his future.
May is on personal leave, and is currently under investigation over a brawl in Sorrento two years ago.
The 34-year-old has been absent from training in recent weeks, with no clear timeline for his return.
"He's away at the moment," Gawn told Zero Hanger.
"I'm constantly checking in. He's still on personal leave. We're hoping that at some point, he can come back and we can see his face again.
"But right now, he's away from the club."
The AFL is aware of the ongoing investigation and the police visit earlier this month at May's home. However, the reasons for the visit remain unknown.
The former Sun, along with Richmond midfielder Dion Prestia, are set to face the Frankston Magistrates Court again on February 20.
May is contracted for 2026, but upon the arrival of new coach Steven King, he was told to explore his options at the end of last year.
The Demons want to head in a new direction, providing more opportunities to their youth, including Daniel Turner.
Melbourne had their first hit-out of 2026 against North Melbourne last week, dominating the rebuilding club.
They will take on Richmond at Mars Stadium on Friday, before a Round 1 match-up against St Kilda on March 15.
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