AFL premiership defender Steven May will return to Southern Districts for the 2026/27 Northern Territory Football League season in what looms as a major boost for the Crocs.
May will return to the club where he played his junior football after calling time on his AFL career ahead of the 2026 season.
The 34-year-old played 251 AFL games across stints with both Gold Coast and Melbourne and was a key member of the Demons' drought-breaking 2021 premiership team.
The Southern Districts Football Club said in a statement May's return was an important moment for the club and its younger players.
"Having come through our junior pathway, Steven's return represents exactly what we want to see - former Crocs coming back home and helping build something special for the next generation," the club said.
"Steven brings valuable experience, leadership and a strong competitive edge.
"His time in successful programs will be a huge asset to our younger players and our entire football club.
"We're incredibly excited to have one of our own back in the red, black and white."
May is expected to play at least seven matches during the season to qualify for finals.
His return will see him line up alongside fellow Territorian and former Hawthorn, North Melbourne and Gold Coast player Jed Anderson, with the pair expected to provide plenty of leadership for a young Crocs side.
Southern Districts coach Chris Baksh said May's experience at the highest level would be valuable across the entire playing group.
"It's great for us, he's played at and been successful at the top level of the sport," Baksh said, the NT News reports.
"His experience is great not only for me but for the whole playing group and the young ones around the club that are hoping to follow in his footsteps.
"For us it's going to be really good to have guys like Jed Anderson and himself as on field leaders and what they can bring in that respect."
May finished his career as a two-time All-Australian and previously captained the Suns before moving to Melbourne at the end of 2018.
Since retiring from the AFL, May has continued playing local football with East Ringwood in Melbourne's Eastern Football League.
He was part of the club's recent premiership win over Rowville, finishing with 21 disposals and nine intercept possessions in the grand final.
May had previously been linked with a move to Wanderers, but will instead return to his junior club.
Southern Districts will be looking to bounce back after a disappointing finish to last season.
The Crocs were considered premiership contenders for much of the season before being eliminated from the finals in straight sets.
Their 2026/27 season begins against Waratah on Saturday night.
