Mid-Season draft prospect Archer May reveals why he chose to leave Richmond’s VFL team to play for Subiaco in the WAFL

Archer May has had one of the AFL’s all-time premiership legends in his corner as he pushes his case to be taken in the mid-season draft. Eliza Reilly finds out more about the Subiaco spearhead.

When Archer May runs out for the WAFL in the State Game against the SANFL at Adelaide Oval on Saturday, he’ll do so with an AFL legend in his corner.

The key forward is on the radar of several clubs ahead of this month’s Mid-Season draft after a strong start to the season at Subiaco and it’s partly due to the influence of former Hawthorn champion Dermott Brereton.

Brereton is May’s mother’s partner and the 464-goal superboot has offered him some wise counsel since his rise from school football to the Coates Talent League and Richmond in the VFL.

“I’m very fortunate to have someone like him as a mentor in my football journey,” he said.

“He’s passed on a lot of knowledge to me, as a forward especially. We’ve done a bit of training together.

“I’m fortunate that he’s invested in my career. Having someone like him close to home is a massive asset.’’

The 198cm prospect made the move across from Victoria at the start of the year and has caught the eye of Essendon, Collingwood and North Melbourne with 12 goals in his first six games, including a bag of four against Swan Districts last weekend.

The 20-year-old played 13 games for the Tigers in the VFL last year, kicking 20 goals. But at the end of the season, he decided he would need to push himself to realise his full potential.

“In my exit interview, I spoke to the coaches about where the opportunity to play my best footy was,” May said. “The way the VFL system works, the AFL players get the first right of passage at selection and game time.

Mid-season draft chance Archer May celebrates a goal for Subiaco. Pic: WA Football/Supplied

Mid-season draft chance Archer May in action for Subiaco. Pic: WA Football/Supplied

“Richmond took a few key position players in the draft as well. I would’ve loved to stay at Richmond. I have a lot of friends there, and the coaches put a lot of time and effort into me.

“I didn’t want to leave, but it was ultimately the best decision for my football.

“I wanted to keep it (my decision) to the two state leagues in the SANFL and the WAFL, but it was too hard to turn down the opportunity to play at Subiaco.

“To do that for a prestigious club like Subiaco, I get to play on bigger ovals against mature defenders and put myself out of my comfort zone.”

Archer May (4 Goals - Rd6 2025 - Subiaco vs Swan Districts) pic.twitter.com/I9c3pxkNhL

— giantroo (@giantroo) May 14, 2025

May was a prominent rower at Brighton Grammar School, competing for the First Eight when he was in Year 12, and considered pursuing it in the United States.

“I loved it,” he said. “I grabbed that opportunity with both hands and was very grateful for the lessons I learned, the values of discipline and self-drive and team work.

“In terms of how serious I was, I did consider trying for a college degree in the US for rowing. I sat an SAT test, which is essentially what the colleges use to bring students in.’’

But May also started to shine in football at Brighton Grammar, and the Sandringham Dragons called him up for one game as a top-age player in 2022.

Brighton Grammar strength and conditioning coach Ian Miller also saw something in him, alerting Richmond VFL to the green but keen tall.

He spent 2023 with the VFL Tigers and the Dragons, featuring in their powerful Coates Talent League premiership team alongside the likes of Levi Ashcroft, Ryley Sanders and Calsher Dear.

He kicked 29 goals in 13 games but was ultimately overlooked in the draft. Instead of letting it define him, May has used it as motivation.

“I’m super grateful for the pathway I’ve had,” he said. “It’s taught me a lot about resilience and drive.

“The path I’ve taken has taught me a lot of good values that’ll hold me in good stead for the rest of my career. I’ve matured a lot in the last two years as well not only on the field but off-field as well.”

Archer May will represent WA in Saturday's state clash against South Australia. Pic: WA Football/Supplied.

May eventually started to feel more comfortable at VFL level. He broke his wrist in Round 12 last season but recovered in time to feature in the Richmond’s wildcard finals bout against Williamstown.

While there are obvious pitfalls to being a non-AFL listed player in an aligned VFL side, May did get a taste of life at the next level.

“A few times, I was able to train with Richmond’s AFL team and play in a few intraclubs so that was a great experience,” he said. “It helped my development tenfold being in that environment and hearing the on-field talk and communication. I learnt a lot from it.”

Subiaco couldn’t be more pleased with what May has added to its forward line mix this season.

Mid-season draft chance Archer May (left) in action for Subiaco. Pic: WA Football/Supplied

Since relocating to Perth, May has moved in with head coach Beau Wardman. The dual premiership mentor reckons there’s no one better in the air.

“His ability to compete,” Wardman said when asked about May’s strengths. “His repeat efforts are super strong.

“He’s got some of the best hands that I’ve seen in my time at Subiaco. He’s very professional in the way he prepares for games. No doubt he’s got a lot of great things to come.”

As the WAFL’s most successful club of the modern era, the Lions naturally boast a rich draft history.

Jack Mayo (2018, St Kilda), Luker Kentfield (2023, Melbourne) and Robert Hansen (2022, North Melbourne) have all been selected in the Mid-Season draft. After a handful of interviews with clubs in the past week, May is hoping to follow in their footsteps.

“It would honestly be a dream come true,” he said. “It’s something you dream of as a kid, to be able to achieve something like that.

“I’m just super grateful to be playing consistent football and for my teammates at Subiaco. Even if it didn’t work out, I’d love to keep playing for Subiaco. I’d put my head down and continue to work towards something special here.”

First, May will attempt to help WA end a five-year losing streak against the Croweaters on Saturday. A win for the Sandgropers will justify his move to Subiaco given he also weighed up a state league offer from South Adelaide.

“It’s a massive honour to represent WA,” he said. “I’ve absolutely loved my time here so to represent the state on the big stage is a massive achievement and something I’m grateful to be a part of.”