Steven May has called time on his premiership-winning AFL career just days before the start of the 2026 season, becoming the second player from the 2021 grand final team to do so. The 34-year-old had been on personal leave from the Melbourne Demons for a number of weeks, and speculation had been mounting he’d played his last game for the club.
On Sunday night he took to social media to announce his immediate retirement. May played 123 games for the Gold Coast Suns before switching to the Demons in 2019. He won the 2021 premiership with Melbourne and was a key contributor.
Steven May (bottom left) won the 2021 AFL premiership with the Melbourne Demons.
(AFL Photos via Getty Images)
“It’s with a heavy heart that I’ve decided to step away and retire from the AFL,” he wrote on social media. “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.
“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. 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 (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.”
Steven May (L) and Michael Hibberd after the AFL grand final in 2021.
(AFL Photos via Getty Images)
He’s the second player from the 2021 premiership team to retire in a matter of weeks. Last month James Harmes announced his immediate retirement after 152 games for the Demons and 22 for the Western Bulldogs.
Melbourne Demons respond to Steven May retirement call
On Sunday night, Demons CEO Paul Guerra thanked May for his contribution to the club. “We thank Steven for his efforts in the red and blue and the commitment he brought to the club during his time,” Guerra said.
“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.”
with AAP