The partner of a retired AFL player has accused Melbourne Football Club of three breaches as she pursues legal action over what she describes as a serious invasion of privacy.
Legal action launched
Sachi Dade, the partner of former Demons star Steven May, is suing the club, senior coach Steven King, and football operations chief Alan Richardson in the Federal Court. Her barrister, Nicholas Petrie, informed the court via video link on Friday that three privacy breaches allegedly occurred on February 4 and 5.
The third breach is said to have involved a Microsoft Teams meeting attended by 15 people. Petrie stated that his client is seeking exemplary damages as part of the claim.
Background of the case
This legal action follows a report by SEN in April that confidentiality obligations were breached regarding May and Dade's personal circumstances during a Teams call with the partners of players. Melbourne subsequently apologised for causing distress, explaining that the meeting was held to reassure families of the club's commitment to supporting them.
Petrie told the court he is seeking discovery—evidence, documents, and information—from all three respondents. This is to understand how they became aware of the private information that allegedly constitutes a serious invasion of privacy. He requested any documents that show how each respondent learned of the private data related to the three breach allegations.
Petrie said this would assist in further negotiations and a potential settlement if the parties are willing.
Club's response
Melbourne's barrister, Justin Hooper, requested an extension to gather relevant documents, which may require reviewing the club's internal systems as well as the email and phone accounts of King and Richardson. He described Dade's claim as novel and complex, involving sensitive confidential material.
Melbourne has not yet filed a defence response to Dade's concise statement but has until July 24 to do so. The case will return to court on September 11 for another case management hearing.
Steven May's retirement
Steven May, a premiership player and dual All Australian, retired from the club in March after what he described as a mental breakdown. He had been on personal leave for several weeks before announcing his immediate retirement from the AFL. In a social media post, May said: "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."
May played 128 games with Melbourne and 123 for Gold Coast, where he also served as co-captain for two seasons.
