Hodge urges May to consider Bulldogs move for career’s twilight
There’s been plenty of trade talk this week, and one name right in the middle of it is Steven May. The veteran Melbourne defender has been linked to a possible move to the Western Bulldogs, and interestingly, Hawthorn great Luke Hodge has come out in support of the idea.
Now, let’s set the scene. Melbourne are reportedly weighing up a list shake-up after a disappointing 2025 season, with May, despite his stature, said to be on the outer. At 34 years of age, his best form might be behind him, but that doesn’t mean he wouldn’t still be valuable. In fact, Hodge believes a switch to the Bulldogs could benefit both parties.
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The Bulldogs, for all their attacking power — they were the highest scoring side this season — have struggled defensively, sitting eighth for points conceded. Hodge pointed out that stability in the backline has been missing, and May could provide exactly that. Gerard Whateley even compared the potential move to Brian Lake’s famous trade to Hawthorn back in 2012, which delivered three premierships and a Norm Smith Medal.
But there’s a catch. Hodge was very clear that May wouldn’t be coming in as the star of the show. At Melbourne, the backline has been built around him. At the Bulldogs, the expectation would be different. He’d need to accept a supporting role, mentoring younger defenders, leading by example, and sometimes sacrificing his own numbers for the sake of the team. As Hodge put it, “It might be the worst personal stats of his career, but the best thing for the football club.”
The other factor is money. May is on a lucrative contract at Melbourne, but a move to the Bulldogs would almost certainly involve a pay cut. With the Demons’ coaching uncertainty following Simon Goodwin’s sacking, and questions about whether stars like Christian Petracca and Clayton Oliver will stay, Hodge suggested the timing might still be right for May to think about it.
From the Bulldogs’ perspective, Luke Beveridge would need to sell the move not as a chance for May to relive past glories, but as an opportunity to help shape a stronger defensive unit. Hodge was adamant that if May bought into that role, the Bulldogs could finally plug the gap that has hurt them in big games.
So, while May is contracted with Melbourne until the end of next year, the speculation is heating up ahead of the trade period starting October 6. Whether he stays loyal to the Demons or takes on a new challenge with the Dogs remains to be seen, but one thing’s certain: the discussion has kicked off, and voices like Hodge’s are giving it plenty of weight.
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