EXCLUSIVE: The Comments That Ignited the Fiery On-Field Confrontation Between Steven May and Demons Captain Uncovered

Following the match, Steven May’s exchange with Max Gawn was simply an instance of poor timing from the defender when addressing his captain from the 2021 premiership.

After Gawn made a critical turnover deep within the back pocket, May asked if he realised time was still on their side. Essentially, he was questioning why the ruckman opted for a hurried kick when there were still over 30 seconds left to progress the ball down the field.

Gawn’s frustration stemmed from three points. Initially, the umpire had called him to play on; secondly, he felt he hadn’t encroached off his mark but noticed two Collingwood players getting too close, possibly inviting a 50-metre penalty; and lastly, he was displeased with his own poor kick directed inboard.

The misdirected kick landed in the hands of Magpies player Will Hoskin-Elliott, effectively sealing the game against them.

Consequently, Gawn was left feeling tense and was not in the best mindset to handle May’s remarks.

May asked his question with good intentions but later acknowledged to his teammates that the timing could have been improved, given the high-pressure scenario.

In response, Gawn waved May off, their brief physical contact caught by the broadcast cameras. He took May’s inquiry more harshly than it was meant.

May then attempted to clarify that his intention wasn’t to criticise, but merely to express curiosity.

After the match, the two had a chat and cleared the air, confirming there were no hard feelings as both understood it was a moment of heightened emotion.

“I spoke to both of them, and they’re both passionate players,” Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin said on Fox Footy post-match.

“They provided each other with a bit of feedback, and they’re obviously discussing it now. They’re fine and have moved on.

“Both of them are winners and care deeply about success. Such expressions on the field aren’t ideal, but that’s their competitive nature. They hold each other accountable, learn from it, and strive to improve.”

Gawn echoed similar sentiments during the media debrief after the game.

“We’re just both competitive players who want to succeed. Unfortunately, with 30 seconds left, I ended up placing the ball right in Hoskin-Elliott’s path, and I would say my teammates were understandably frustrated with that outcome,” he remarked to Channel Seven.

“We will definitely sort it out together, but not just yet. We’re aware of it; don’t worry about that.

“I wasn’t over the moon about being called to play on in the first place. There wasn’t much I could really do at that moment.”