Retired Melbourne Demons premiership defender Steven May’s partner, Sachi Dade, has initiated legal proceedings against the AFL club, senior coach Steven King, and football manager Alan Richardson in the Federal Court.
Background of the Legal Action
The lawsuit stems from a telephone conversation held in February between the club and several partners of players. In April, a whistleblower report emerged alleging that the Demons disclosed confidential and legally sensitive information concerning May, who announced his retirement in March, and Dade.
The call reportedly caused internal discord, leading to a complaint being filed with the AFL Players’ Association. Melbourne subsequently released a statement acknowledging that the meeting “caused distress and for that the club is sorry.” However, the matter has now escalated to the Federal Court.
Court Proceedings
Dade’s case against the Demons, King, and Richardson is scheduled to begin with a management hearing on Friday morning. At the time of the phone call, May was on personal leave.
May’s Retirement Announcement
May announced his retirement via an Instagram post on March 1, following a tumultuous 12-month period during which Melbourne had asked him to find a new club during the trade period. In his post, he wrote: “It’s with a heavy heart that I’ve decided to step away and retire from the AFL. 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.”
He expressed gratitude to the Gold Coast Suns, where he began his career, and the Melbourne Football Club, noting that being a premiership player for such a historic club was a privilege. He also wished the team success and hoped for “clean air and no distractions moving forward.”
Club’s Response
The Demons acknowledged his retirement with a brief statement, with CEO Paul Guerra saying: “We thank Steven for his efforts in the red and blue and the commitment he brought to the club during his time. 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.”
