Melbourne premiership defender Steven May has announced his AFL retirement in a lengthy and heartfelt Instagram post in which he said his teammates “deserve some clean air and no distractions”.
The 34-year-old had not been training in recent weeks and was not sighted at either of the Demons’ pre-season matches, having taken personal leave after police were called to his house in January.
It’s believed the police visit was separate to the charges he and Richmond premiership midfielder Dion Prestia are facing over their alleged involvement in a December 2024 fight. May and Prestia have asked the court to withdraw the charges, insisting they were not at the brawl.
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May, a veteran of 251 AFL games and a member of the Demons’ drought-breaking 2021 premiership win, retired despite having a year to run on his contract.
His retirement allows Melbourne to add another player to its list ahead of Monday’s pre-season supplemental selection period (SSP) deadline.
“It’s with a heavy heart that I’ve decided to step away and retire from the AFL,” May said on Sunday night.
Melbourne premiership defender Steven May. Getty
“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.”
May debuted in the AFL with the Gold Coast Suns in 2011. He played 128 games with the Suns before being traded after the 2018 season to the Demons, with whom he played 123 matches.
“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,” May continued.
“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 [Demons coach Steven King] 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.
“Forever grateful.
“Mayzy.”
Steven May (left) and Michael Hibberd after the Demons won the 2021 AFL grand final. AFL Photos via Getty Images
At the peak of his powers, May was considered one of the best defenders in the league.
He twice earned All-Australian selection, in 2021 and 2022.
His time at both the Suns and Demons was marred by a string of alcohol-related dramas.
“We thank Steven for his efforts in the red and blue and the commitment he brought to the club during his time,” said Demons chief executive Paul Guerra in a club statement.
“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.”