The Melbourne Demons have been plunged into fresh controversy after senior club figures were accused of sharing sensitive personal information about premiership defender Steven May during a meeting with players’ partners.
The alleged breach centres on a pre-season Teams call held in February, where partners of up to 15 players were invited to an introductory session with new CEO Paul Guerra, coach Steven King and football boss Alan Richardson.
But what began as a routine welcome quickly escalated into a highly sensitive discussion involving May and his partner, Sachi Dade, sparking serious concerns about privacy, duty of care and the handling of confidential information.
A whistleblower who was present on the call has claimed the meeting crossed a significant line.
‘It raises serious questions about whether the club understands or respects even the most basic standards of privacy and duty of care,’ the source told SEN.
The meeting reportedly lasted around 20 minutes and did not include any psychologists or welfare staff, despite the personal nature of the discussion.
Melbourne Demons face backlash after alleged confidentiality breach involving Steven May discussed during meeting with players’ partners earlier
Whistleblower claims sensitive personal information about May was shared inappropriately during pre-season Teams call with partners
Attendees left shocked as meeting revealed personal details, with no welfare staff present during sensitive discussion
Attendees were allegedly told about a welfare check conducted at a private residence on January 29, with Victoria Police later confirming no charges were laid and the matter has since been resolved.
During the call, Richardson acknowledged the unusual nature of the discussion.
‘Can we all just make sure we keep this information to ourselves?’ he said.
‘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 [Oliver] and the like. In that this is involving a partner.’
‘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.
‘There’s a lot of work to be done. Steven has agreed to do some personal growth work.’
Coach Steven King emphasised character standards while addressing players’ partners about the sensitive Steven May situation during meeting
The whistleblower alleged the way the information was shared was deeply inappropriate, particularly given the setting.
‘What is particularly concerning is that this disclosure did not occur in a controlled or necessary environment, but rather in a broadly attended group call that had been framed as a routine and welcoming introduction,’ they said.
‘There was no warning that such a delicate matter would be discussed, nor any opportunity to consent to being part of that potentially triggering conversation.’
Another source said the discussion left many on the call stunned.
‘They made him sound guilty without any of the facts,’ the source said.
‘It felt totally inappropriate. You could feel how taken off-guard everyone was. Nobody was prepared to hear that information.’
The AFL Players’ Association was alerted to the situation and deemed it serious enough to escalate to the AFL, with league officials remaining in contact with Melbourne as the matter is handled behind closed doors.
Senior AFL figures, including Tom Harley, are understood to be aware of the concerns.
CEO Paul Guerra declared the Steven May situation would not be swept under the carpet during controversial meeting
Guerra made it clear during the meeting that the club intended to address the situation head-on.
‘This will not be swept under the carpet,’ he said.
‘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 echoed that stance, adding: ‘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.’
Despite what appears to have been an attempt to reassure families, the meeting has since been widely criticised by those involved, with some describing it as ‘deeply inappropriate’.
Melbourne has since issued an apology, acknowledging the distress caused.
‘The meeting sought to provide reassurance of the club’s commitment to supporting the families as well as the playing group,’ the club said in a statement.
‘Whilst it was not our intent, we acknowledge the meeting has caused distress and for that the club is sorry.’
The controversy comes amid a turbulent period for the club, with May having since retired following Melbourne’s decision to cut ties with the veteran defender.
On the field, however, the Demons will be looking to steady their season when they face Gold Coast at the MCG on Sunday.
The clash shapes as a blockbuster Easter encounter, with the unbeaten Suns travelling south without former Melbourne star Christian Petracca, who is sidelined with a hamstring injury.
‘It’s a shame. It would’ve been great to play against Christian,’ teammate Ed Langdon said.
‘But he’s had an unbelievable start to the year, so it might benefit us that he’s actually not playing.’
Melbourne’s midfield has been forced to evolve following the departures of Petracca and Clayton Oliver, along with Jack Viney’s long-term injury, but Kysaiah Pickett has emerged as a key figure.
‘He’s certainly taken his game to another level,’ Langdon said.
