Missteps Acknowledged: Melbourne Coach Simon Goodwin’s Approach to the Tense Confrontation between Steven May and Max Gawn

Melbourne’s coach Simon Goodwin has acknowledged that Max Gawn and Steven May “misjudged” their reactions after a tense on-field exchange following the team’s narrow defeat to Collingwood on King’s Birthday Monday.

May approached his captain after the final siren, following a wayward kick from Gawn in the dying moments that determined the outcome. 

The key defender later admitted that his choice to question Gawn’s error was poorly timed, resulting in the confrontation.

Goodwin mentioned that he had a conversation with the team regarding managing frustrations during crucial moments, but he also noted that Gawn and May share a “deep friendship.”

“They spoke about it among themselves, but I’ve also brought it up in discussions with the entire group,” Goodwin told journalists on Friday.

“Obviously, we prefer not to see that sort of display on the field, but we recognise that it’s an emotionally charged game and these are two passionate players who are committed to winning and to our club.

“That said, we want to avoid that appearance on the field, so we addressed it and will continue to move forward without making it a significant issue.

“They’re very good mates… they have a strong respect for each other, and so do we as a club.

“They contribute immensely to our team, and they genuinely care for the club. They realise they didn’t handle the situation perfectly on the day, but their bond is strong.”

On a positive note, Melbourne is thrilled to have secured star forward Kysaiah Pickett on a long-term deal, with both the captain and coach expressing their satisfaction on Friday.

Earlier this week, Pickett secured a new contract until the end of 2034, with a reported value of $12 million.

This follows years of speculation linking him to Fremantle, including texts sent to players regarding his aspiration to return to Western Australia.

Gawn mentioned that he wasn’t involved in discussions regarding Pickett’s contract extension but called it a “no-brainer.”

“While (list management) occasionally comes to me as a query, it’s not common,” Gawn told Triple M.

“We’ve got a strong list management team, and I could have a subjective view. I understand the need to consult key leaders – of which I am one – but the (Pickett) situation is a clear-cut decision.”

Despite being aware of the potential risks of a long-term commitment, Gawn believes the 24-year-old will become a standout player in the competition for years to come.

“It’s genuinely fantastic news. To secure someone who I believe will be among the top players in the league – almost in that conversation already this year – for the next nine years is superb,” he remarked.

“Just consider the year 2034 for a moment. It’s a risky undertaking because the future is unpredictable. Yet many players age well, as the Buddy (Lance Franklin) example demonstrates.”

It has been a challenging few years for the Demons, with notable players such as Clayton Oliver and Christian Petracca seeking trades as recently as last October.

Goodwin expressed that this contract signing signifies a positive shift for the club.

“This indicates that we have our affairs in order,” Goodwin stated on Friday.

“It reflects positively on our footy club, our current standing, and our aspirations for the future.

“This has been a major talking point for quite some time.

“We have worked diligently with him to ensure that he sees Melbourne as a desirable place to build his future.”

“He has consistently expressed his affection for the club, although he needed time to adjust to life in Melbourne.”

The Demons are set to head to South Australia to take on Port Adelaide on Sunday afternoon, just before entering their bye week.