Melbourne Demons Secure VFL Forward Paddy Cross Following Steven May's Retirement
The Melbourne Demons have moved swiftly to replace retired AFL premiership defender Steven May on their playing list, signing promising forward Paddy Cross from their VFL affiliate Casey. This strategic acquisition comes just days before the start of the new AFL season, as the club aims to bolster its forward line depth.
Steven May Calls Time on Illustrious Career
Steven May announced the end of his 251-game career on Sunday night, stating he did not want to be a distraction for the Demons as they embark on a new era under coach Steven King. The 34-year-old had been on personal leave and had not trained with the club since a police visit to his house in January.
In a club statement, the Demons revealed May decided to retire to focus on his family and his own personal growth. The two-time All-Australian defender and 2021 premiership star was offered for trade at the end of last season but could not secure a new home.
May expressed his gratitude in an Instagram post, saying: "It's with a heavy heart that I've decided to step away and retire from the AFL. It's an incredibly tough decision to make on the eve of the season, but I know it's the right one for myself, my family and the team."
Paddy Cross Earns Rookie Spot Through Impressive Form
Paddy Cross seized his opportunity after impressing while training with Melbourne over the summer, earning a rookie list spot before Monday's supplemental selection period deadline. The 23-year-old, who was working as a full-time electrician, won Casey's rising star award last season.
Cross demonstrated his scoring prowess by kicking 24 goals in 18 games, including four majors in an elimination final thrashing of Williamstown. His consistent performance and dedication have now been rewarded with an AFL opportunity.
Legal Matters and Club Statements
May and Richmond midfielder Dion Prestia are currently fighting charges related to a late-2024 brawl in Sorrento on Victoria's Mornington Peninsula. The former Gold Coast teammates have requested the charges be withdrawn, claiming they were not present at the incident.
May emphasized his desire to avoid distractions for the club, stating: "Melbourne and new coach King deserve some clean air and no distractions moving forward."
Other Clubs Make Strategic Signings
Several other AFL clubs have also utilized the supplemental selection period to strengthen their rosters:
- Western Bulldogs added Footscray forward Will Lewis, who kicked 40 goals in 19 games last season and featured in their VFL premiership side.
- Hawthorn gave former North Melbourne defender Flynn Perez an AFL lifeline after he helped Sturt win last year's SANFL premiership.
- Richmond signed young defender Tom Burton, who won the Western Jets' best-and-fairest award in the Talent League last year.
Complete Supplemental Selection Period Signings
The following players have been secured by AFL clubs during this period:
- Carlton: Wade Derksen (GWS Giants), Elijah Hollands (Carlton)
- Essendon: Will Setterfield (Essendon)
- Fremantle: Mason Cox (Collingwood), Chris Scerri (Northern Bullants VFL)
- GWS Giants: Jayden Laverde (Essendon)
- Hawthorn: Flynn Perez (Sturt, SANFL)
- Melbourne: Paddy Cross (Casey, VFL)
- North Melbourne: Tom Blamires (Frankston, VFL)
- Port Adelaide: Balyn O'Brien (Norwood, SANFL), Mitchell Zadow (East Fremantle, WAFL)
- Richmond: Tom Burton (Western Jets, Talent League)
- West Coast: Finlay Macrae (Collingwood), Milan Murdock (East Fremantle, WAFL), Deven Robertson (Brisbane), Harry Schoenberg (Adelaide)
- Western Bulldogs: Will Lewis (Footscray, VFL)
These signings represent strategic moves by clubs to address specific needs and inject fresh talent into their squads as the new AFL season approaches. The Melbourne Demons' acquisition of Paddy Cross demonstrates their commitment to developing young talent while managing the transition following Steven May's retirement.
