Melbourne’s privacy crisis has deepened dramatically, with premiership defender Steven May to launch legal action against the club over the same alleged privacy breaches that prompted his partner, Sachi Dade, to sue the Demons.
As first revealed by The Age’s Caroline Wilson on Seven, May’s lawyers, Arnold Thomas & Becker, have issued legal notices to Melbourne, coach Steven King, football boss Alan Richardson and former chief executive Paul Guerra, foreshadowing proceedings in the Federal Court over the alleged handling of private information.
The development marks a significant escalation in a saga that has already engulfed the club, with both members of the couple now pursuing legal action arising from the same underlying events.
Dade has since settled her claim with Melbourne, bringing her separate proceedings to a close.
Melbourne confirmed to The Age that it had received the legal documents but declined to comment further.
Arnold Thomas & Becker also confirmed to this masthead that they are acting on behalf of the Melbourne premiership player, but declined to comment publicly on the matter.
The latest legal action comes after Dade previously launched proceedings against Melbourne, alleging her privacy was breached following a meeting involving partners of Melbourne players earlier this year.
Her claim alleged confidential and personal information was improperly disclosed during that meeting, causing significant emotional distress, embarrassment and psychiatric harm. Melbourne had previously indicated it intended to defend those allegations prior to the matter being resolved.
In its apology to Dade, Melbourne said: “In February 2026, the Melbourne Football Club leadership team divulged personal and sensitive information about Ms Dade. We acknowledge that this was inappropriate and constituted a serious invasion of her privacy.
“… Our senior leaders, including the board, the incoming CEO and our leaders in the football department, are committed to taking all steps necessary to ensure this does not happen again. We sincerely apologise to Ms Dade and her family for the hurt, distress and impact our actions have caused.”
May has now joined the legal battle, with legal notices also being served on several of the club’s most senior figures.
May also claims his privacy was breached.
The move substantially raises the stakes for Melbourne, with the club having now faced legal action not only from the partner of one of its most decorated players, but from the player, himself, all in one season.
The decision to name senior officials individually also indicates the dispute extends beyond the club as a corporate entity and into the conduct of those allegedly involved in the events that underpin the claims.
The dual legal actions represent another unwelcome distraction for the Demons as they continue to navigate a turbulent period on off the field, despite a remarkable year on it.
The club has already spent months dealing with the fallout from the original allegations, which centred on concerns about the handling of sensitive personal information.
While Dade’s proceedings first brought those allegations into the public arena, May’s decision to pursue his own claim significantly broadens the legal challenge confronting the Demons.
It also creates the prospect of multiple Federal Court proceedings arising from the same series of events unless the matter is resolved before formal litigation is commenced.
Neither May nor Dade has commented publicly on the latest development.
The legal notices are typically a precursor to formal court proceedings and provide parties with an opportunity to respond before litigation is filed.
For Melbourne, the latest development represents another significant chapter in a saga that shows no signs of disappearing. Instead, what began as a single legal dispute has evolved into a broader confrontation involving one of the club’s premiership stars, his partner and several of the club’s most senior decision-makers.
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Sam McClure is an award-winning AFL journalist and broadcaster.Connect via X or email.
