In the Age today, a two page spread on Steven May:

Melbourne defender's journey has at times been difficult since his move from the Gold Coast.

http://www.theage.com.au/afl/melbourne-demons/steven-may-s-long-road-back-20190719-p528rx.html?btis

 

worth a read, and gives some perspective to his journey.  I really like that Goody challenged him, then stepped up and trained with him.  That is some serious leadership from the coach that you dont see from outside.

 

To winning the flag at the Dees, Steven!

9 minutes ago, buck_nekkid said:

In the Age today, a two page spread on Steven May:

Melbourne defender's journey has at times been difficult since his move from the Gold Coast.

http://www.theage.com.au/afl/melbourne-demons/steven-may-s-long-road-back-20190719-p528rx.html?btis

 

worth a read, and gives some perspective to his journey.  I really like that Goody challenged him, then stepped up and trained with him.  That is some serious leadership from the coach that you dont see from outside.

 

To winning the flag at the Dees, Steven!

A real credit to May for making some really difficult adjustments in his life and in coming to Melbourne. 

And to Goodwin for walking the tough road with him.

Cant read the full article. Paywall...

On a side note, I found it odd that he was told only the day before pre-season training what preseason would be like.  That he had to get his skin folds from 60 to 50.

He seemed surprised.  So was he not given a fitness test after the trade and not given a fitness regime to follow?  I thought it was standard practice for all players to get an off-season fitness regime.  Maybe not or maybe fitness staff assumed players would self manage their dietary, fitness and rehab behaviours.  Risky!  These might explain why there were claims players came back out of condition. 

Edited July 21, 20196 yr by Lucifer's Hero

I hope the people who got stuck into May at various times this year (particularly the pub beer moment), or whinged about the Hogan-May trade, read this article and reflect on their positions.

38 minutes ago, dazzledavey36 said:

Cant read the full article. Paywall...

Its a long article but paraphrasing:

• His family history, providing for his family in Darwin and the Gold Coast, and the challenges of moving to Melbourne (the city moreso than the club).
• The season was a 'perfect storm' of lows: broken relationships, poor fitness, media scrutiny, injury, Jessie playing well and Dee fans 'blaming' May for not even being on the park. 
• He was surprised that at start of preseason he was thought to be unfit by the club.
• Goodwin read him the riot act after the 'drinking incident 'and May started looking for other ways to help while in rehab.  May:  "...I started mentoring (teammate) Harry Petty, doing extra sessions, going to games with Goody, scouting a team with (assistant coach) Troy Chaplin, trying to find ways I could help without playing."  
• A notable quote:  "May is grateful that Goodwin not only challenged him but joined him. He didn't send him to the naughty corner to train alone. Goodwin was beside him at the gym for extra weights and bike sessions. He went to games of footy with him. If May wanted to do more, the coach would do it with him".  I thought it shows Goodwin's compassion and preparedness to get into the trenches with the players.  All credit to May and Goodwin.
• How he won over the coaches, players and fans.
• May: “This year has been a roller coaster, no doubt. A lot more lows than highs for me but the highs are bloody worth it already. Just to pay in a couple of wins in the five games I have played, that feeling getting the Gatorade shower walking out through MCC and Melbourne fans – it feels great....“Hopefully I can get myself in the good books.’’

A roller coaster but I think he is already in our good books and has won people's respect.  Look forward to him anchoring our backline for a many seasons to come.

Edited July 21, 20196 yr by Lucifer's Hero

9 minutes ago, Lucifer's Hero said:

Its a long article but paraphrasing:

• His family history, providing for his family in Darwin and the Gold Coast, and the challenges of moving to Melbourne (the city moreso than the club).
• The season was a 'perfect storm' of lows: broken relationships, poor fitness, media scrutiny, injury, Jessie playing well and Dee fans 'blaming' May for not even being on the park. 
• He was surprised that at start of preseason he was thought to be unfit by the club.
• Goodwin read him the riot act after the 'drinking incident 'and May started looking for other ways to help while in rehab.  May:  "...I started mentoring (teammate) Harry Petty, doing extra sessions, going to games with Goody, scouting a team with (assistant coach) Troy Chaplin, trying to find ways I could help without playing."  
• A notable quote:  "May is grateful that Goodwin not only challenged him but joined him. He didn't send him to the naughty corner to train alone. Goodwin was beside him at the gym for extra weights and bike sessions. He went to games of footy with him. If May wanted to do more, the coach would do it with him".  I thought it shows Goodwin's compassion and preparedness to get into the trenches with the players.  All credit to May and Goodwin.
• How he won over the coaches, players and fans.
• May: “This year has been a roller coaster, no doubt. A lot more lows than highs for me but the highs are bloody worth it already. Just to pay in a couple of wins in the five games I have played, that feeling getting the Gatorade shower walking out through MCC and Melbourne fans – it feels great....“Hopefully I can get myself in the good books.’’

A roller coaster but I think he is already in our good books and has won people's respect.  Look forward to him anchoring our backline for a many seasons to come.

Can you pm me the full article mate?

1 hour ago, dazzledavey36 said:

Cant read the full article. Paywall...

Just open it in private tab in your browser

Oh no, I hear the media curse revving up.

I really like what I've seen from May from a leadership perspective on field. Seems to have the intent of blokes like Jones and Viney, but the willingness and game sense to be able to direct like Lever and Lewis. I really hope he's in the leadership group next year. A lot of us bash Goody, but I think our on field leadership on game day has gone under the radar and needs to be addressed.

1 hour ago, dazzledavey36 said:

Cant read the full article. Paywall...

Paywall on the age? Is it because you have read to many 'free' articles this month? If you delete your internet history and cookies it will reset the amount of 'free' articles you can read. Or... the easy option is to open the article using incognito mode in chrome. 

Edit: beat me to the punch Dr Gonzo

Edited July 21, 20196 yr by BAMF