Melbourne veteran Steven May missing from training six weeks out from AFL opener

Veteran Melbourne defender Steven May’s career is hanging by a thread after he was a notable absentee from training on Wednesday.

7NEWS chief AFL reporter Mitch Cleary has revealed May has taken indefinite leave from the club and there is no timeline on his return, either.

The drama comes just six weeks out from the start of the AFL season and there are now genuine fears for his playing future.

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Cleary said Melbourne president Steve Smith, CEO Paul Guerra and football chief Ned Guy walked laps at training on Wednesday, “locked in discussion’s about May’s future”.

May had a troubled season, last year, and concerns flared again recently around an alleged dispute — which prompted police to visit the 34-year-old’s Peninsula home last Thursday

“It’s understood Demons officials are still yet to properly quiz May on the allegations,” Cleary said.

Cleary said May was already fighting for his spot in the team this year and now he was dealing with a “delicate personal matter”.

“(But) this latest matter leaves his spot at the Demons teetering on the brink.” Cleary said.

May was a key figure in last year’s trade period, but failed to find a new home.

The 2021 premiership defender will be a restricted free agent at the end of this season.

Off the field, May and Richmond midfielder Dion Prestia are fighting criminal charges after a late-2024 brawl in Sorrento on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula.

Last month, the pair asked for the charges to be withdrawn, saying they were not there.

They are due to face Frankston Magistrates Court again on February 20.

May played 16 senior games last year for a career total of 251. He endured a mixed season, serving a three-match ban for a high bump, and also had Hawthorn veteran Jack Gunston kick a bag of seven on him.

The Demons are in major transition, with coach Simon Goodwin sacked last year and Steven King appointed for his first senior role.

Star onballers Christian Petracca (Gold Coast) and Clayton Oliver (GWS) were traded after last season.

– With AAP