Melbourne Captain Max Gawn Remains Hopeful for Steven May's Return
Melbourne Demons captain Max Gawn has expressed optimism that defender Steven May could make a comeback to the AFL field, despite the player currently being on personal leave and absent from recent training sessions. The 34-year-old May, along with Richmond midfielder Dion Prestia, is facing criminal charges related to a late-2024 brawl in Sorrento on Victoria's Mornington Peninsula.
Legal Challenges and Personal Leave
In a recent development, May and Prestia requested the withdrawal of these charges last month, asserting they were not present at the incident. Additionally, police were called to May's residence last month for undisclosed reasons, adding to the off-field complexities. Gawn addressed the situation cautiously, stating, "He's on personal leave. That's really as much as I can give you," in an interview with AAP.
Gawn emphasized his ongoing communication with May, saying, "I've reached out to him. We're in dialogue. I don't reach out about anything I shouldn't, and don't want to go into his face. I just make sure that he's healthy and well and he's away from the club at the moment." This highlights the captain's supportive role during this challenging period.
Contract and Team Dynamics
Steven May, who is contracted until the end of the season, was advised by new coach Steven King to explore his options during the off-season following a disappointing 2025 campaign. However, with no other clubs showing interest, the fullback returned to Melbourne. Despite these setbacks, Gawn remains confident in May's abilities, noting his impressive track record as an All-Australian in both the 2021 premiership season and 2022.
When questioned about the possibility of May returning to play, Gawn responded, "Always hopeful. He's a premiership player and a very, very decent fullback. So, yeah, hopefully that all gets worked out at some point." This sentiment underscores the team's belief in May's potential contributions.
Ongoing Support and Team Culture
Gawn also detailed his approach to player welfare, explaining that he regularly checks in with all current and past players, totaling around 45 to 60 individuals. He added, "And then there might be some that have an asterisk to it that I need to make sure I'm doing more than once a month. And right now, because Mayzy is taking time away from the club and I'm not seeing him face-to-face, he is someone I'm checking up on, yes." This reflects the Demons' commitment to supporting their players through personal challenges.
Looking ahead, Melbourne is set to kick off their 2026 season at the MCG against St Kilda on Sunday, 15 March. The team's preparations continue as they navigate these off-field issues, with Gawn's leadership playing a crucial role in maintaining morale and focus.
