Trade talk: Demons tell May to look for a new home

Melbourne has told premiership defender Steven May to look for a new home in 2026, reports SEN’s Tom Morris.

According to Morris, the Demons are keen to prioritise youth in their key defensive positions in Steven King’s first season as coach and can’t guarantee May senior games in 2026.

The Western Bulldogs had been loosely linked with May recently but Morris ruled out any interest.

“Melbourne has told Steven May, the premiership defender and two-time All-Australian, to have a look around,” Morris said on SEN Afternoons.

“May was such a key plank of the Demons’ defensive unit in their premiership and successful finals era. Melbourne have told him as recently as today that they want to prioritise youth in that position. As a result he should have a look.

“People will assume that the Dogs are keen, but the Dogs aren’t keen on Steven May. They’ve got their eyes elsewhere.

“I’m looking at clubs like North Melbourne or whoever else needs a key defender.”

The 33-year-old has featured 127 times for Melbourne after joining the club ahead of the 2019 season following 123 games and eight seasons at Gold Coast.

The two-time All-Australian and 2021 premiership star turns 34 ahead of the 2026 season.

May played 16 games in 2025 after he was forced to spend some time on the sidelines due to injury, concussion and suspension.

While he’s contracted for next year, the Demons hope that he’ll see that out at another club.