<h2>Demons tell Premiership Defender Steven May to Find Third AFL Club - Three Point Summary:</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>- Melbourne has told premiership defender Steven May to seek a trade for the 2026 season under new coach Steven King's youth-focused strategy</p> <p>- The 33-year-old defender can't be guaranteed senior games despite being contracted for one more season with the Demons</p> <p>-May's potential departure would end a seven-season stint at Melbourne following his successful move from Gold Coast in 2019</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Melbourne has informed veteran defender Steven May to explore trade options for 2026 as the club prioritises youth development under incoming coach Steven King.</p> <p>The 33-year-old is contracted by the Demons for the 2026 season, but was told by the club that he would not be guaranteed a regular senior game next year as the club looks to the future.&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Melbourne's Strategic Shift Under New Leadership</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The Demons' decision to encourage Steven May's departure represents a significant strategic shift as Steven King prepares for his first season as senior coach. Melbourne's focus on developing younger talent in key defensive positions signals a long-term rebuilding approach, with May unable to secure guaranteed senior selection for the 2026 campaign.</p> <p>The 33-year-old defender, who turns 34 before next season, has been a cornerstone of Melbourne's defensive structure since arriving from Gold Coast ahead of the 2019 season. His potential exit would mark the end of a successful seven-year partnership that included the club's drought-breaking 2021 premiership triumph.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>May's Melbourne Legacy and Trade Value</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Steven May's impressive resume at Melbourne includes 127 games across seven seasons, building on his foundation of 123 appearances during eight years at Gold Coast. The two-time All-Australian selection played a pivotal role in Melbourne's 2021 premiership success, establishing himself as one of the competition's premier key defenders.</p> <p>However, the 2025 season proved challenging for May, who managed just 16 senior appearances due to a combination of injury setbacks, concussion protocols, and suspension. These interrupted campaigns have seemingly influenced Melbourne's decision-making regarding its defensive structure moving forward.</p> <p>Despite being contracted through 2026, Melbourne's preference is for May to find opportunities elsewhere, allowing the club to fast-track younger defensive prospects. This approach aligns with many AFL clubs' tendencies to refresh their lists while veteran players still hold trade value.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Trade Period Implications for May</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>May's situation presents interesting dynamics for the upcoming trade period, with his experience and proven ability likely to attract interest from contending clubs seeking defensive reinforcement. His premiership credentials and All-Australian recognition make him an attractive proposition for teams believing they're one key defender away from finals success.</p> <p>The timing of Melbourne's decision allows May sufficient opportunity to explore options before the trade deadline, potentially facilitating a smoother transition for all parties involved. Clubs seeking experienced leadership in defence may view May as an ideal short-term solution while developing their own emerging talent.</p> <p>Melbourne's willingness to move on from a premiership player demonstrates the ruthless nature of modern AFL list management, where form, age, and future planning often override past achievements. For May, the challenge lies in finding a club that values his experience while offering the senior opportunities Melbourne cannot guarantee.</p> <p>The defender's next destination will likely depend on which contending teams identify key defensive depth as their primary need, with May's proven ability at the highest level ensuring continued interest despite his advancing years.\<br /> &nbsp;</p> <p>For all the latest AFL Trade, Free Agency and Contract news this off-season, keep clicking back to<strong><em> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle/afl">The Huddle</a></em> </strong>to keep you across all the movement and where your club's picks for the<em><strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle/afl/news/2025-afl-draft-order">2025 AFL Draft</a></strong></em> fall.</p>