Recommitted Steven May [RFA 2026] - name was floated for a move in 2025, stayed

[Dez!]

And that he may be being paid in the top 25% of your list in order to do that. If he was on $400k next year it doesn't matter where he plays. He's 34 starting the season, so it makes sense that he is phased out but Melbourne asking him to move on is a benefit to them if he's a restricted free agent in 2026 because he's chewing up a not inconsiderable amount of cap to play VFL.

Pay another club to take that last year of his deal, front load someone else and extend them.

What he's being paid is irrelevant, I'd be staggered if it was anything substantial at this stage. He's out of contract after next season and there's nothing we'd need significant cap space for this off-season moreso if Petracca or Oliver get traded.

 

[Taylor]

What he's being paid is irrelevant, I'd be staggered if it was anything substantial at this stage. He's out of contract after next season and there's nothing we'd need significant cap space for this off-season moreso if Petracca or Oliver get traded.

It's only come to mind because of that restricted free agent classification. That's big money.

Being able to attract someone else, or lock in an entire swath of young talent long term with that cash would be more valuable to Melbourne than a draft pick this year or him playing VFL.

 

[Deepthroat]

I have a strong suspicion that this has come about following a review on squad morale and the factors contributing/detracting from it.

There must be MASSIVE warning signs for any club willing to take this bloke on.

He has the potential to be a significant contributor to destabilisation at any new club.

 

[ray_purchase]

Easily the best defender I have seen at the Demons in my lifetime.

If a contender can squeeze one last good year out of him it could win them the flag.

 

[SSSSSS]

He's quite shit.

 

[Magpie Since 1986]

Easily the best defender I have seen at the Demons in my lifetime.

If a contender can squeeze one last good year out of him it could win them the flag.

No contender is going to risk bringing in a massive flog that could destabilise the club for a 34 year old who might have one last good year left.

 

[Pure_Ownage]

Retire surely.

 

[danster168]

I have a strong suspicion that this has come about following a review on squad morale and the factors contributing/detracting from it.

There must be MASSIVE warning signs for any club willing to take this bloke on.

He has the potential to be a significant contributor to destabilisation at any new club.

but then you look at Bailey Smith and Ginnivan etc.

 

[Tugga27]

Retire surely.

Why on earth would he retire with another year to go on his contract?

 

[Xtreme]

May should just have a gap year on Melbourne's coin.

 

[GoEaglesGoSGIO]

If I’m Collingwood I take him on providing Demons pay 75 percent of his wage and he basically joins as a minimum wage player.

Darcy Moore

30

Darcy Moore

Age

29

Ht

203cm

Wt

100kg

Pos.

Def

Career

Season

Last 5

D

11.1

3star

K

7.0

3star

HB

4.1

3star

M

4.8

5star

T

1.6

4star

MG

169.1

3star

D

13.9

3star

K

7.3

3star

HB

6.6

4star

M

4.9

5star

T

0.7

1star

MG

182.0

3star

D

6.8

2star

K

4.2

2star

HB

2.6

3star

M

2.6

3star

T

1.8

4star

MG

87.4

2star

been shaky at times and May should release the shackles on him.

 

[danster168]

If I’m Collingwood I take him on providing Demons pay 75 percent of his wage and he basically joins as a minimum wage player.

Darcy Moore been shaky at times and May should release the shackles on him.

then if you're collingwood, you wouldn't get him.

 

[swuzzlebubble]

Why on earth would he retire with another year to go on his contract?

Because if Melbourne are going to pay a reasonable portion of his salary to play elsewhere they may as well pay him the same amount as a retirement settlement

 

[Tugga27]

Because if Melbourne are going to pay a reasonable portion of his salary to play elsewhere they may as well pay him the same amount as a retirement settlement

Assuming he's on $750 000.
They'd likely have to pay $250 000 to another club I reckon.

They'd still be $500 000 in front.

 

[swuzzlebubble]

Assuming he's on $750 000.
They'd likely have to pay $250 000 to another club I reckon.

They'd still be $500 000 in front.

Not sure the numbers but if he has no interest from any club and they don't want him back they'll work something out.

 

[Pure_Ownage]

Why on earth would he retire with another year to go on his contract?

I mean they agree a settlement to pay him say 50 % of his 2026 money and he retires from afl. It's either that or plays 2s at Melbourne. I can't see any other club taking him.

 

[Northernsoul74]

Easily the best defender I have seen at the Demons in my lifetime.

If a contender can squeeze one last good year out of him it could win them the flag.

He was bloody good in his prime, but what a w***er.

 

[GeTrain]

but then you look at Bailey Smith and Ginnivan etc.

Have I missed something when it comes to Ginnivan? Sure he's a bit of an annoying prick but doesn't seem like the toxic distraction Smith or May have been

 

[Orange Agent]

Straight swap for JUH.

What has each club got to lose?

 

[billings2paddy]

If I’m Collingwood I take him on providing Demons pay 75 percent of his wage and he basically joins as a minimum wage player.

Darcy Moore been shaky at times and May should release the shackles on him.

Sure

 

[bombersim]

Good. Absolutely appalling bloke. Been told of a well-known story covered up by the club and AFL. Should have had his career ended and locked up.

What happened?

 

[go_the_dockers]

Was he injured this year?

 

[danster168]

Have I missed something when it comes to Ginnivan? Sure he's a bit of an annoying prick but doesn't seem like the toxic distraction Smith or May have been

yes, id say you've missed a few things that he's got up to in the off season.

id say Ginnivan is much worse.

 

[danster168]

Was he injured this year?

nup

 

[GeTrain]

yes, id say you've missed a few things that he's got up to in the off season.

id say Ginnivan is much worse.

guess I got some research to do, thanks