MELBOURNE has secured defenders Steven May and Kade Kolodjashnij, in a trade with the Gold Coast Suns on Wednesday.
The Demons part with pick No.6 in exchange for the Suns duo, which was recently obtained from Jesse Hogan’s departure to Fremantle.
May and Kolodjashnij, who land at the red and blue after eight and five years respectively with Gold Coast, are primed to provide further depth to Melbourne’s backline.
Standing at 193cm tall, May is set to add a strong and steady presence down back, with intercept-marking and precise timing a key skill of the 26-year-old’s game.
Steven May in action against the Demons in 2018
“We are really pleased that Steven chose to join us during this trade period, after multiple clubs meet and presented to him,” General Manager of football operations Josh Mahoney told Melbourne Media.
“Steven is an experienced defender, who brings speed and aggression, and he plays with a ruthless nature that we like.
“He is a competitor, and his versatility means he can play on the talls as well as the medium-sized forwards.”
The big-bodied defender added 17 matches to his 123-game tally in 2018 – May missed four matches due to injury and one through suspension – and averaged 17.4 possessions.
May also brings invaluable experience to the club, having co-captained Gold Coast in the past two seasons and been part of the leadership group since 2015.
“Steven also brings an important leadership perspective to the playing group,” Mahoney said.
“We think he is a great fit for Melbourne and particularly our defence.”
Kolodjashnij, who was initially taken at pick No.5 in the 2013 National Draft, ticks another of the Demons’ Trade Period ambitions.
Expected to provide the sought-after run-and-carry off half-back, the defender caught the eyes of Melbourne recruiters early on.
“Kade was a player we liked in his draft year, so we’re pleased to welcome him to Melbourne,” Mahoney said.
“He is a former pick No.5 in the National Draft, has been runner-up in an AFL best and fairest in his second season and fulfils an immediate list need.
“Kade can play on the wing and across half-back, where he can show his running ability.”
After an impressive start to his career – he received a rising star nomination in 2014 – Kolodjashnij managed only eight games in 2018, due to some injuries.
But Melbourne ruled out any future concerns.
“Kade has had some concussion issues in past years, which has limited his playing ability at the Suns,” Mahoney said.
“After a thorough check with our medical team, we’re really confident that this will not inhibit Kade into the future.
“We look forward to Kade developing his game further in 2019 and seeing some consistency at Melbourne.”
Originally from Tasmania, Kolodjashnij arrives with 78 games to his name.
