Melbourne key defender Steven May looks certain to miss a period of football as details emerge over the extent of his injuries after he copped a knee to the ribs in his club's win over Hawthorn on Saturday.
According to reports, May is understood to have suffered three broken ribs and minor vertebrae damage in the collision with Hawks tall Mabior Chol just before half time.
The Larrakia man was subbed out of the contest at the main break and taken to hospital with the Dees suspecting broken ribs from the outset.
Steven May has been subbed out of the game following this incident involving Mabior Chol.#AFLHawksDees pic.twitter.com/nnUDEdtzzH
— AFL (@AFL) March 23, 2024
Melbourne are yet to come out officially to confirm the damage caused to their 2021 premiership player.
It's likely May will miss the coming weeks, though a recovery timeline hasn't been circled, after leaving the MCG in an ambulance and undergoing scans.
The 32-year-old was hospitalised overnight.
The Dees' defensive setup was hampered further throughout the contest after Jake Lever was ruled out of play from the third quarter after picking up a knee concern in an awkward landing mid-way through the term.
Despite the depletions down back, Melbourne were able to restrict Hawthorn to three second half goals for the 14.9 (93) - 5.8 (38) win to go 2-1 after running over the top of the Bulldogs in round one, their second game of the season.
May was among Melbourne's best in their first win with skipper Max Gawn praising his efforts after the win.
With his latest suspected injuries, May looks unlikely to feature in their upcoming games against Port and the Crows with a third contest against Brisbane also in doubt before Melbourne's 13-day break with the bye between rounds five and seven.
More to come.
