Steven May Retires: Demons Star Steps Away Before AFL Season Opener

Just days before the start of the 2026 AFL season, Melbourne Demons premiership defender Steven May has announced his immediate retirement. The 34-year-old’s departure comes after a period of personal leave and following a confidential settlement with the club, bringing an complete to a career spanning 251 senior matches.

May, a key figure in Melbourne’s drought-breaking 2021 premiership victory, revealed his decision on Sunday night via Instagram, expressing a heavy heart but conviction that it was the right choice for himself, his family, and the team. “It’s with a heavy heart that I’ve decided to step away and retire from the AFL,” he posted. “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.”

The announcement follows a turbulent off-season for May. Police were called to his home in late January following a complaint, and he had been on personal leave from the Demons since then. Prior to that, May and former teammate Dion Prestia faced charges related to an alleged incident at a Mornington Peninsula pub in December 2024, though they have since sought to have those charges dropped, claiming they were not present during the altercation.

May began his AFL journey with the Gold Coast Suns in 2011, where he served as captain before making the move to Melbourne at the end of the 2018 season. He quickly established himself as a vital component of the Demons’ defense, forming a formidable partnership with Jake Lever. His performance in the 2021 Grand Final, playing through injury, underscored his commitment and resilience.

“As a kid from Darwin, all I ever wanted was to play one game of AFL,” May wrote in his Instagram post. “To have lived that dream and had the career I’ve had is something I’ll be forever grateful for.” He also expressed gratitude to both the Suns and the Demons for the opportunities they provided.

The Melbourne Football Club acknowledged May’s decision, stating that he wished to focus on his family and personal growth. In a club statement, Demons CEO Paul Guerra thanked May for his contributions, saying, “We thank Steven for his efforts in the red and blue and the commitment he brought to the club during his time.”

The timing of May’s retirement presents a challenge for Melbourne as they prepare for the new season. The club now has until Monday to consider adding a rookie to their list, though they currently do not have any players who have been training with them over the summer. May was reportedly earning over $700,000 this year, and the club had been exploring trade options for him during the off-season, but were unable to discover a suitable suitor.

Despite a recent dip in form, May’s impact on the Demons was undeniable. Fox Footy analyst David King remarked, “I’m not shocked. He’s read the writing on the wall.” His departure leaves a significant void in Melbourne’s backline, but also allows the club to move forward without the distractions of ongoing off-field issues.

May’s career statistics include 251 AFL games, 128 with Melbourne and 123 with Gold Coast, and two All-Australian selections. He will be remembered as a premiership player and a respected figure within the AFL community, despite the recent challenges he faced.

May concluded his statement by expressing his desire for the club, new coach Steven King, and his teammates to have “clean air and no distractions moving forward,” and wished them well for the upcoming season. “Very exciting times for our fans,” he added.