Pies make play for Suns’ May
COLLINGWOOD will test the loyalty of Gold Coast star defender Steven May with an ambitious bid to bring the gun backman back to Melbourne at season’s end.
The Magpies have emerged as a keen suitor for 193cm May following news yesterday that co-captain Tom Lynch will have season-ending knee surgery to fix his posterior cruciate ligament.
May, who has close links to Collingwood’s list boss Ned Guy, would be a perfect replacement for veteran stopper Lynden Dunn or offcontract swingman Darcy Moore.
While a frustrated Lynch said yesterday he was “disappointed” his season had been cut short, rival clubs believe the gun tall has played his last game for the Suns.
Richmond, Hawthorn and Collingwood are leading the chase for Lynch, 25, after eight seasons up north.
However, concerns about the No.11 draft pick’s knee problem will ensure clubs do medical checks before finalising $1 million a year offers.
Lynch said he would meet manager Robbie D’Orazio to discuss his future after the operation.
“It’s really disappointing to know that I’m going to have to have surgery and not play out the season,” he said.
“Post-surgery I’m sure the time will come where I’ll sit down with my manager and work through what the best option going forward is.
“Clearly I’ve got a decision to make on my future, but the reality is I haven’t made that decision.”
While the spotlight has shone on him, the Magpies’ interest in co-captain May has flown under the radar.
The 26-year-old will qualify for free agency next season, but Collingwood is interested this year.
The Magpies have a tight salary cap but will be in a stronger position to land Lynch or May — but not both — if the Pies fail to sign one of out-of-contract stars Moore, Jordan De Goey or Jamie Elliott.
List guru Guy worked at May’s management company McDonald Sports before joining the Pies.
May is contracted for one more season at Gold Coast and has shown faith in the club, turning down interest from Hawthorn last season.
The club would be reluctant to release him as it tries to stem the player departures.
But there are serious fears about Gold Coast’s viability, with AFL great Wayne Carey saying the league should “shut the gates” on Gold Coast if Lynch leaves.
Brisbane Lions champion Jon Brown called for the AFL to save Gold Coast with some emergency assistance.