Collingwood is understood to be preparing a meeting with Melbourne premiership defender Steven May after the club told him to find a new home in 2026.
According to 9 News' Tom Morris, May will not be guaranteed consistent games at the senior level in 2026, as Melbourne's priorities shift toward retooling around their budding young talent and existing star forces, such as Harvey Langford and Kysaiah Pickett.
Morris stated that the Demons are "keen to play youth" in May's position, which would see him miss out on AFL opportunities in the final year of his contract, which is set to expire following the 2026 season.
The Pies have been looking for some defensive cover immediately after Nathan Murphy's medical retirement two seasons ago, and have used Billy Frampton and Charlie Dean sparingly. At the same time, there's been a heavy reliance on veteran Jeremy Howe.
Collingwood will soon speak with Steven May about the potential for the veteran defender to join the Pies in this trade period.
Collingwood is searching for defensive cover, having made the initial running for Jack Silvagni.
May is contracted for 2026 and turns 34 in January.…— Sam Edmund (@Sammy__Edmund) September 20, 2025
Collingwood met with Carlton free agent Jack Silvagni, but the utility chose to join St Kilda amid interest from a host of Victorian clubs.
Melbourne is clearly heading in a new direction under recently appointed senior coach Steven King, although he stated that he'd prefer to keep premiership players on the list.
However, May, as well as Christian Petracca, have been linked to moves to rivals.
MORE: FIVE potential landing spots for Steven May
On top of the Pies, West Coast, GWS, North Melbourne and the Western Bulldogs pose as potential destinations for the former Sun, pending a deal can be satisfied in October.
May had another solid year in defence for the Demons, averaging a near career-high 2.8 intercept marks per game, 5.3 spoils and 17.7 disposals, but it wasn't without controversy, involved in several on-field clashes with teammates as friction between players mounted during a disappointing campaign.
It was the 33-year-old's seventh year at Melbourne. May has earned two All-Australian blazers during his tenure and famously played a key role in the Dees' drought-breaking premiership in 2021.
