Melbourne captain Max Gawn says the AFL will set a precedent with Steven May ban, declaring he didn’t bump Carlton’s Francis Evans

Seeing a toothless opponent was startling for Melbourne captain Max Gawn, but he’s not sure the collision that caused it should result in a ban for his teammate.

Seeing Carlton’s Francis Evans with a “tooth missing” was confronting for Melbourne captain Max Gawn, but even after watching replays he’s not convinced teammate Steven May should be banned for the incident that caused it.

Demon defender May will face the AFL tribunal and could be handed a season-ending ban in the wake of the collision at the MCG on Saturday night that resulted in Evans leaving the field and being subbed out of the game.

While some pundits have declared it black and white that May didn’t show enough duty of care in approaching Evans and contesting a loose ball, others have declared it an accident.

Steven May’s hit on Francis Evans.

Gawn on Monday said at first glance he didn’t think May had done too much wrong and would be tuning in to the tribunal to see a decision that could set a “precedent” for the competition.

“It’s a tough one because he didn’t bump,” Gawn said on Monday.

“But I understand you have to look after heads. That’s why I am going to tune in to the tribunal.

“Maysy is never going to take a backwards step for that ball. He’s going to keep getting sent to the tribunal by the looks of things

“Whatever happens will be the precedent going forward.”

Evans didn’t return after the incident. Picture: Morgan Hancock/AFL Photos/via Getty Images

Both May and Evans charged towards a loose ball inside Melbourne’s defensive 50 from different directions.

Evans got there microseconds before May, got his hands to the ball but was unable to change direction as the Demon’s shoulder collided with Evans’ face.

Gawn said the reaction from Carlton players after the incident spoke to the accidental nature of what occurred in the third quarter.

“I came in to defend (May) a little when it happened and the Carlton boys weren’t really remonstrating,” Gawn told Triple M’s Mick in the Morning.

“Then we all had a look and the guy’s tooth was missing and I thought maybe I can’t defend him.

“But then I looked at the replay and thought it wasn’t that bad, and the Carlton boys still didn’t remonstrate really. It was a tough one.”

Even if Steven May doesn't elect to bump, is this a reasonable way to contest the ball? If it isn't, he is missing at least three weeks. @FOXFOOTYpic.twitter.com/Vs5OOZKGwG

— David Zita (@DavidZita1) July 19, 2025

The AFL’S match review officer ruled the action was careless, with severe impact and high contact, meaning the defender is facing a minimum of a three-week suspension.

Fox Footy and SEN commentator David King was adamant May’s action no longer had a place in the game and called for a six-week ban.

“He’s a beast, he’s a big frame, and when he turns and hits you with the point of his shoulder, there’s going to be serious damage at that speed,” King told SEN.

“The game is now asking you to be reasonable in that manner. If you’re coming in at a reckless speed and cannot control the contact and you hit the head, then you pay a price.

“It’s the running the red light theory. You can get away with it 100 times, but there’s a time when you get done.”

Originally published as Melbourne captain Max Gawn says the AFL will set a precedent with Steven May ban, declaring he didn’t bump Carlton’s Francis Evans