Dees veteran provides update on absent May

Uncertainties remain surrounding Steven May’s footballing career, however as stated by Demon veteran Jake Melksham, the club is well equipped to fill his vacant role.

Currently taking personal leave from the club, the 34-year-old Premiership defender remains under investigation over a mishap in Sorrento in 2024.

After reports of a police visit to May's residence just weeks ago, the defender has not been present for the club's lead-in to 2026, with little information provided surrounding any sort of return.

As revealed by Melksham, the players remain in the dark regarding May's timeline.

“We’ve not been told a heap about Steven at the moment,” Melksham told SEN Breakfast.

“He’s on personal leave, dealing with some things personally, obviously. We hope that those things can get sorted and that everything comes out fine, but the players actually haven’t been told a heap.

“It’s being dealt with through Alan Richardson (GM of football) and the admin and the hierarchy. I can’t really say much more on that one.”

Without knowledge on if or when May will return to football this season, Melksham believes that although his influence will be missed, one specific talent has the ability to take the reigns from the long-standing full back.

“Maysy is a super experienced player,” he said.

“He drives high standards, he expects to win, he wants to win, he is a winner and there’s no doubt that that has a positive impact around our younger guys down (back). He drives the standard with that.

“We’ve got young and upcoming defenders – Daniel Turner is one of those who has trained super all summer.

“He signed a long contract extension with us, and he is one of those guys that will be looking to take Maysy’s spot.

“Whether that’s now or in a years’ time, or whatever that looks like, the club are well equipped to fill any void.”

The Demons took to the field on Friday afternoon, dominating the Kangaroos in their first hit-out under new coach Steven King.

A contest with Richmond in Ballarat awaits before the Dees kick off the new season against St Kilda in Round 1.