Steven May has announced his retirement from AFL football after 15 seasons, saying the Demons and new coach Steven King "deserve some clean air and no distractions".
The veteran defender has been a notable absentee from Melbourne's 2026 preparations reportedly in relation to off-field troubles, making the announcement on Sunday night.
May, 34, was an inaugural Gold Coast Sun and captained the club before a move south to the Dees ahead of the 2019 season.
The Larrakia fullback and two-time All Australian was instrumental in Melbourne's drought-breaking 2021 premiership.
"It's with a heavy heart that I've decided to step away and retire from the AFL," May wrote in a post to social media on Sunday night.
"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.
"As a kid from Darwin, all I ever wanted was to play one game of AFL. To have lived that dream and had the career I've had is something I'll be forever grateful for."
May thanked both clubs he played for on hanging up the boots.
"It truly was a privilege to have been part of this club and this group of boys. The lifelong relationships and memories will stay with me forever," he said of Melbourne.
"Right now the club, Kingy and the boys deserve some clean air and no distractions moving forward, and I wish the lads nothing but success ahead.
"Very exciting times for our fans."
May's future had looked uncertain in recent times. An alleged off-field fight, also allegedly involving Tiger former teammate Dion Prestia, sees the pair facing charges.
The Demons had also offered May the chance to pursue his options for a third home following a disappointing 2025 campaign for the club.
With a year remaining on his contract, May reportedly reached a settlement with the club ahead of his retirement announcement.
May made 251 senior appearances with the Suns and Demons.
He represented the Indigenous All Stars in 2025.
