TWELVE months is a long time in footy.

For Steven May, the statement could not be more accurate.

This time last year, the former Sun was sidelined with a hamstring injury in his first pre-season at the Demons.

The defender would go on to play only eight games in 2019, struck with further injury and concern along the way.

“Myself and Tom Lynch left our club as captains – he wins a flag [at Richmond], we finish second last and I couldn’t even get out on the park,” Steven May said in the fourth episode of Melbourne’s pre-season documentary series To Hell and Back, released on Sunday night.

“It couldn’t have [gone] any worse I don’t think.

“There were some positives, but as a whole, I’m a really harsh critic, and I wanted to play a role in helping this team progress further than they did.

“Unfortunately, we didn’t, and I blame myself a bit for that.

“Obviously one player doesn’t change the whole result of the season, but I’d rather be out there losing with the boys than just sitting in the stands.”

Falling short of both his own expectations and those of the Demons faithful, May faced his fair share of criticism at the time.

But after shifting his focus and taking responsibility for his actions, the 28-year-old knew exactly what he needed to do to get back on track.

“I just feel like I’m a lot more prepared and conditioned this year than last year,” May said.

“I’ve had to do a few extra sessions, just with managing my injuries from last year but I’m about 4 and a bit kilos lighter, so that sort of sets me up going into the season.”

Having put in a power of work to date, May is more than ready to attack his second season in the red and blue.

And with plenty of experience under his belt, including 35 games as a co-captain, he cannot wait to get back out there.

“On field, I’m the same as when I was captain at the Suns,” May said.

“I can’t control it – it’s a bit of white line fever. I get angry all the time when we do concede a point or a goal, but I think that’s what makes me a be a good teammate in a way, and a good player.

“I never want to lose, and I don’t want my teammates to lose.

“I just try to hold everyone accountable, including myself.”

If you missed it, catch up on Episode 4 of the Demons’ five-part documentary series below.