Demons sorry for ‘distress’ caused by meeting with players’ partners

April 3, 2026 — 6:08pm

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The Melbourne Football Club has apologised for a pre-season meeting between senior club figures and players’ partners that allegedly disclosed private information about former star Steven May.

Club chief executive Paul Guerra, coach Steven King, and football department boss Alan Richardson held a Teams meeting with about 15 partners of the players in February.

It was held as a way for Guerra and King, new in their roles, and Richardson to introduce themselves, while also addressing “a matter that impacts the football program”, SEN reported on Friday.

However, according to SEN, a whistleblower who was on the call claimed confidentiality obligations were breached regarding Steven May and his partner Sachi Dade’s relationship, and personal situation. It’s also alleged inappropriate information was shared on the 20-minute meeting.

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May was on personal leave from the club at the time, and police had conducted a welfare check at a private residence on January 29.

No charges were laid, and the matter is now closed. The premiership defender and the Demons officially split last month when May retired.

In a club statement sent to this masthead on Friday, the Demons admitted the meeting took place.

“The meeting sought to provide reassurance of the club’s commitment to supporting the families as well as the playing group,” the statement read.

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“Whilst it was not our intent, we acknowledge the meeting has caused distress and for that the club is sorry.”

SEN reported that Richardson, the veteran football department figure and a former St Kilda coach, had outlined to the wives and girlfriends what the meeting was about.

“This catch-up was on the back of a conversation with some leaders in the wake of what’s happened with Maysie,” Richardson allegedly said, according to SEN.

“They thought it would be good to catch up. What we do know is last Thursday the police were called to the family home.

“It was a combination of a welfare check because Sachi was concerned a bit about Steve, because he’s had some challenges. But clearly there’d been some challenges between Steve and Sachi. That’s pretty clear.

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“There’s a lot of work to be done. Steven has agreed to do some personal growth work.”

Concerns were raised to the club after what was said to be an “introductory” meeting quickly became personal, with suggestions that May was guilty of an offence without any evidence being presented. There was no welfare officer on the hook-up.

The AFL Players’ Association referred the matter to the AFL. The AFLPA did not wish to comment on Friday but is aware of the issue and referred it to the AFL. This masthead also reached out to Richardson, and he referred back to the club’s statement.

The AFL has asked Melbourne to investigate, but league office has maintained a close eye on the matter. The AFL was contacted for comment.

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Richardson also allegedly said in the meeting: “Can we all just make sure we keep this information to ourselves?”

“The reason that this is a little bit unusual, I don’t think I’ve ever done this before, we’ve had issues with Clayton [Clayton] and the like, is that this is involving a partner.”

Guerra, according to SEN, said: “This [the May situation] will not be swept under the carpet.

“We need to understand that our objective is that we have people living to the standards we want that work and operate inside the Melbourne Football Club … that’s everybody. If they can’t, then we will have conversations with them about what that may look like for them going forward.”

King, a rookie senior coach, allegedly said: “I want our football club to be a welcoming place where everyone can come. Character is, obviously, a massive part of my values and what I look for in footballers and people as well … it’s really important we address with you tonight the Maysie stuff.”

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Jon Pierik is a sports journalist at The Age. He covers AFL and has won awards for his cricket and basketball writing.Connect via X or email.

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