Retired Melbourne premiership defender Steven May’s partner Sachi Dade has launched legal action against the AFL club, senior coach Steven King and football boss Alan Richardson.

The court action stems from a phone call between the club and several of the players’ partners in February, 7AFL’s Tom Morris reported.

In April a whistleblower claimed the Demons shared confidential and legally sensitive information on the call.

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It caused angst behind the scenes and a complaint was made to the AFL Players’ Association, Morris reported at the time.

Melbourne subsequently issued a statement acknowledging the meeting “caused distress and for that the club is sorry”.

The matter has now spilled over into the Federal Court.

Dade’s case against the Demons and their two senior leaders is scheduled to begin with a management hearing on Friday morning.

May spent time on personal leave during the pre-season and announced his retirement with an Instagram post on March 1.

“It’s with a heavy heart that I’ve decided to step away and retire from the AFL,” May wrote.

“It’s an incredibly tough decision to make on the eve of the season but I know it’s the right one for myself, my family and the team.

“As a kid from Darwin, all I ever wanted was to play one game of AFL. To have lived that dream and had the career I’ve had is something I’ll be forever grateful for.

“Thank you to the Gold Coast Suns for initially giving me that opportunity, starting in the inaugural season sure was an experience I’ll never forget and happy to have played a tiny role in the club’s inception.

“Thank you to the Melbourne Football Club for seeing something in me and pursuing me, it was a hard decision to leave my club but a decision that paid dividends and I’ll forever be a premiership player for such a historic club.

“It truly was a privilege to have been part of this club and this group of boys. The lifelong relationships and memories will stay with me forever.

“Right now the club, Kingy and the boys deserve some clean air and no distractions moving forward, and I wish the lads nothing but success ahead. Very exciting times for our fans.”

The Demons followed up May’s post, which featured a series of photos from the 2021 grand final and his time at the Gold Coast Suns, with a brief statement acknowledging he was retiring “to focus on his family and his own personal growth”.

“We thank Steven for his efforts in the red and blue and the commitment he brought to the club during his time,” then CEO Paul Guerra said at the time.

“We’re pleased that Steven has made the decision that, at this stage of his life, stepping away from football to focus on building a positive future for himself and his family is his best path forward.

“We wish Steven and his family all the best as he embarks on the next chapter of his life.”

May’s retirement opened up a spot on Melbourne’s list with Paddy Cross signed in the pre-season supplemental selection period.

The 23-year-old has registered six goals from eight games, with a contract extension until the end of 2027 announced by the club on Thursday.