AFL 2025: Melbourne defender Steven May should be fit to return in this weeks’ Anzac Eve clash

Melbourne secured its first win of 2025 and could be in for another lift, with two key players making positive strides in their return from injury.

Melbourne is in line to have two of its starters back in the side. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

Melbourne is set to welcome back key defensive pillar Steven May for its Anzac Eve clash with Richmond further boosting Demon spirits after last weekend’s breakthrough victory over Fremantle.

May, 33, has had a difficult little run with injuries this season, including recent setbacks to his Plantar Fascia and then groin, but needs only to make it through training this week to take on the Tigers.

The Demons were able to get off their dreaded 2025 duck last Saturday without May, hanging on for a 10-point win over Fremantle at the MCG.

Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin held off from confirming May would start against the Tigers, given he was an unfortunate out last week, but was positive about his likely return.

“(May) was very close last week, it was a slight niggle to the groin but we feel confident he’s made some big progression,” he said.

Melbourne is in line to have two of its starters back in the side. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

“He’s huge, personnel plays a big part but so does method and Steven is a big driver in our team ‘D’ (defence).

“I thought our backs held up incredibly well, Tom McDonald did a fantastic job in leading that defensive unit but we get Steven May hopefully this week, Judd McVee hopefully this week.”

The Demons kicked their highest score of the year (107) and surpassed their previous season average of 61 halfway through the second quarter.

Goodwin says the Demons have now shown how powerful their tweaked game style can be and are now facing the task of sustaining it.

“I think that’s what you’re looking for, little gains you can grab hold of and say ‘that’s more of what we’re about’,” he said.

“I thought on the weekend we saw a bit more of that, our challenge now is to make that more consistent.

“We’re certainly not the perfect product, we’ve got a lot of work to do in terms of where we’re at but I think everyone would’ve seen a little bit of the things we’ve been working on.”

Originally published as AFL 2025: Melbourne defender Steven May should be fit to return in this weeks’ Anzac Eve clash