AFTER gaining a sense of the culture, defender Steven May knew Melbourne was the club for him.
The former Gold Coast Suns player, who officially joined the red and blue on Wednesday afternoon, said there were several factors in his decision of becoming a Demon.
And an initial meeting with the coach was one of them.
“When I first met Simon Goodwin, there was just something about him that really struck me,” May told Melbourne Media.
“I just felt Melbourne had a really strong family vibe about the club, and that was something I could really relate to, as I’m a big family man.
“That sort of environment was something that I really wanted to be a part of.”
May, who has played 123 games to date, sparked interest from several Victorian-based clubs throughout the AFL Trade Period.
The highly sought-after captain said along with the Demons’ on-field improvements of recent years, he could truly see the potential for his own development.
“I want to be the best defender and player I can be, and I see Melbourne as the place that is really going to help me excel to the next level,” May said.
“No disrespect to the other clubs – they’re all big, successful clubs, but Melbourne just stuck out to me that little bit more.
“It was too good of an opportunity to pass up.”
An exciting prospect now lies, with the 26-year-old and fellow defender Jake Lever, who will return from injury in 2019, set to compliment each other’s game style.
Having already spoken with each other, May said the pair are looking forward to developing the existing defensive structure.
“We’re both really keen to build something strong down there in that Melbourne backline,” he said.
“Just looking around that backline already – with (Neville) Jetta, (Christian) Salem, (Oscar) McDonald, (Sam) Frost, (Michael) Hibberd and (Jake) Lever – the opportunity to be able to slot in there somewhere and play my role is really exciting.”
But after playing various positions at his former club, May is eager to take on what ever the coaching staff have got planned for him.
“I play on the big, dangerous forward, but I’m not just a lockdown defender – I like to get involved on offence as well with my kicking,” he said.
“I’m really open to how Simon Goodwin wants to use me, but I can see myself playing a variety of roles.”
And what does the recruit expect of himself in 2019?
“I’m looking to take my game to the next level,” May said.
“That’s going to mean a massive pre-season, putting in a lot of hard work and getting to know all my new teammates, which I’m really excited about – it feels like going to a new school.
“I’ve never even played in a Friday night game, let alone a final, so I’m just looking forward to being part of it.”
