West Adelaide SANFL footballer Sam May announces his retirement after Pier Hotel roof fall

Sam May’s club has revealed what the 24-year-old said to his teammates in an emotional address last week.

West Adelaide footballer Sam May – seriously injured in a fall at a Port Lincoln Hotel in April – has retired from football but won’t be lost to the club.

May, who suffered life-threatening injuries in the early morning fall from the roof of the Pier Hotel following a SANFL game against Norwood, told his teammates of his decision last week.

He said he was retiring from all football on medical advice after being told he cannot afford to cop another heavy knock to the head after suffering serious head and facial injuries in his fall.

May – dubbed a “miracle man’’ by the club because of his remarkable recovery from “life-altering injuries’’ – wants to stay involved at West, where he played 35 games from 2019 to this year and was in the club’s player leadership group.

Bloods coach Adam Hartlett said the 24-year-old had “put his hand up’’ to be West’s runner next season while the club might also find other roles for him.

Sam May watches on at a West Adelaide SANFL game this season. Picture: 7NEWS Adelaide

“We haven’t locked anything in yet but Sam’s put his hand up to be our runner next year and you don’t get too many guys wanting to do that particular role,’’ Hartlett said.

“He’ll be doing that at the very least and we’ll just keeping working with Sammy as to what’s next for him.

“He had been set up outside of footy prior to the injury but it’s a process for him getting back into full-time work and that sort of stuff, so we’ll just do what we can for him here to keep him involved.

“We’ll nut some things out for him over the next few weeks because he is such a passionate Westies lad and wants to stay involved with the club.

“Football means a lot to him, the club’s been a big part of his life and when he spoke to our players he said he wanted to stay involved to see our playing group win a premiership.

“He spoke so well, got choked up a couple of times, but generally he was really measured and he’s going so well you wouldn’t know what he’s been through.

“He’s incredible, very lucky and we’re just so grateful he’s back to the levels he is from a life perspective.’’

The Pier Hotel at Port Lincoln. Picture: Supplied.

A hole in a skylight on the roof of the Pier Hotel in Port Lincoln where Sam May was injured. Picture: 7NEWSAdelaide

In a club statement announcing May’s retirement, West described him as “an outstanding servant of the club’’.

“As a result of the brain injury he sustained, Sam will be retiring from playing footy,’’ the statement said.

“He is much loved and has been an integral part of the club, having been in the leadership group for the past two seasons.

“Courageous, role model, team first and resilient are just a few words that describe Sam’s tenure at the Bloods.

“He always wore the red and black jumper with pride and we wish Sam all the very best in his next chapter. He will always be part of the Bloods family.’’

Originally published as West Adelaide SANFL footballer Sam May announces his retirement after Pier Hotel roof fall