Territorian Steven May says a positive mindset and a closely knit defence are keys to a season defining win over St Kilda

Territorian Steven May expects a more positive mindset from his Melbourne teammates when they meet St Kilda in Alice Springs on Friday night

Territory Demon Steven May and Christian Petracca celebrate Melbourne’s Round 11 win over North Melbourne. Picture: Matt Turner/AFL Photos

MELBOURNE defender and Territory product Steven May knows exactly what is at stake in Friday night’s AFL match against St Kilda.

The 7.10pm game at TIO Traeger Park in Alice Springs is not an ideal homecoming for the former Southern Districts and Gold Coast utility.

Hailing from the Top End where heat and humidity is part of life, May’s big marking and long kicking in dry conditions in the Red Centre make him an important player in the Melbourne side.

Both sides are coming off losses in their last outings.

Melbourne crashed to the Western Bulldogs after thrashing Collingwood the previous week, a performance May put down to a poor mindset.

“It was disappointing, we didn’t do anything we did the week before,’’ he said.

“We got outworked and outplayed and while it’s something we can control because it’s a mindset problem, the boys are ready to go after a pretty tough review.’’

St Kilda is surging toward its first finals appearance since 2011 under first year coach Brett Ratten.

A narrow loss to Brisbane last week has them in sixth position on the ladder, two games ahead of the Demons.

“They’ve been going really well, we know it will be a tough game,’’ May said.

“That’s why our performance will evolve around how we defend.

“They’ve got a very high octane offence, a bit like the Bulldogs actually, which makes last week’s game a bit of a dress rehearsal for us.

“Last week where we weren’t able to stop the Dogs going coast to coast, meaning this time we’re going to have to lock the ball in our front half.

“If we let them come out and use the corridor they’ll be very hard to stop.’’

Ninth-placed Melbourne has a favourable draw in the next month, with games against Sydney, Fremantle, GWS and Essendon to complete the minor rounds.

“Every game is critical now, a loss in Alice will hurt us and we know that,’’ May said.

He rates his own form as “solid,’’ a level achieved by some hard work off the field.

“I think a bit more confidence in my body has helped and with that has come a bit more camaraderie with my teammates,’’ he said.

“Learning how to play with those boys and what we expect from each other is important.’’

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