Melbourne defender Steven May found himself at the centre of trade chatter this week, with speculation suggesting the Western Bulldogs could swoop for the 33-year-old. But those whispers have been firmly quashed.
Speaking on SEN’s Whateley, journalist Sam Edmund said the Bulldogs have no plans to pursue the dual All-Australian despite reports that they were eyeing him as a solution to their defensive struggles.
“I’ve spoken to the Dogs. There is zero interest from the Dogs,” Edmund said.
“Categoric, no interest, no contact, not happening. Well, at the 27th of August, categorically not happening. I’ll leave myself a one per cent chance, but that’s not happening.”
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The denial comes after a chorus of AFL greats called on the Bulldogs to strengthen their back six, which has been exposed against top-ranked sides. On Fox Footy, Nick Dal Santo described the club’s defence as “vulnerable” and suggested May could be the type of big-bodied presence to stabilise their system.
Jonathan Brown and Nathan Buckley also argued that Luke Beveridge’s side have lacked the reliable key defenders once provided by the likes of Dale Morris and Easton Wood.
May, who is contracted with Melbourne until the end of 2026, has been floated as a player who could chase another premiership at a third club. But for now, the Bulldogs are adamant they won’t be the ones offering him that opportunity.