The Gold Coast SUNS have re-signed 22-year-old defender Steven May, extending his contract until the end of 2017.

May, who has played 44 games for the GC SUNS, has extended his commitment for a further three seasons, joining David Swallow, Sam Day, Brandon Matera, Kade Kolodjashnij, Sean Lemmens, Danny Stanley, Jarrod Harbrow and Alex Sexton in re-signing with the club recently.

Hailing from Darwin, May was recruited to the Gold Coast as a local talent access selection (Northern Territory) in 2010.

At 192cm and 100kg, May has the ability to play at both ends of the ground, but in 2014 has made the defensive post his own, leading the AFL in total spoils whilst claiming the scalp of many key position forwards as the SUNS continue to rise up the ladder.

May told goldcoastfc.com.au he was extremely happy to re-commit to the Gold Coast SUNS.

“I’m really excited in the direction the club is heading. We are starting to play consistent football, we know we still have plenty of improvement to offer and hopefully we’ll be able to taste team success in the near future,” he said.

GC SUNS List Manager Scott Clayton was pleased to confirm May’s contract extension and credited May's manager, Ned Guy, for facilitating a smooth negotiation.

“We are rapt that Steven has re-committed to the club until the end of 2017,” Clayton said.

“Steven is a quality young man, who is building a great reputation as an emerging leader internally at the Gold Coast Football Club. He has taken significant steps forward on the field in 2014, coinciding with his continued progression as a player.”