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Stephen May is ’embarrassed’ after being fined for staging but Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin blasted critics who called the star defender a “cheat”.
May participated in A tense Demons win over North Melbourne on Saturday night, but he came under fire for a third-quarter incident featuring Kangaroos forward Eddie Ford.
The dual All-Australian was spun more than 360 degrees in a tackle before going to ground, with May then pushed her own head into the grass and grabbed it as if he had been hurt.
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AFL Match Review Officer Michael Christian on Sunday lambasted May for staging — $1,250 early appeal penalty or risk a $1,875 penalty if you contest it.
Goodwin admitted he spoke to May about the incident.
“I don’t think he’s the first player to ever try to take a free-kick, so obviously he’s a bit embarrassed by the situation, but I think some of the talk was too much,” he told reporters on Tuesday.
“For (veteran News Corp journalist) Mark Robinson to come out and call him a fraud is a bit much.
“If you know Stephen’s character and his competitiveness … he plays the game at the highest level and I think one of the things that was missed from the weekend was his game against (star Kangaroos forward) Nick Larkay.
“Clearly Steve was trying to get some delay of game and a free kick.
“Clearly it’s an awkward situation when he’s called out for a performance in the public forum.
“When you get called out (and fined) like that, you probably won’t do it (again).”
May could be rejoined in Melbourne’s defense by Jake Lever, who has missed the past five weeks with concussion and a knee injury, for Friday night’s clash with the rejuvenated Brisbane Lions at the Gabba.
“He’s played all the games over the last couple of weeks and done all the training he can, so it’s just over (Tuesday’s training) and he’ll be on the plane to Brisbane,” Goodwin said.
“It will be great to get one of our leaders back – he’s a really important player for us and obviously helps the back half of the pitch.”
Goodwin expected Christian Salem to start against the Lions, even though the linebacker was ruled out with a knee problem against North.
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