The Serve

Gehrig wins as he walks away

Ending his career in the final round of the home and away season wasn’t what Fraser Gehrig would have had in mind, however his farewell to top line football couldn’t have been much sweeter, as the Saints scored a 14.18.102 to 13.14.92 win over Richmond at the MCG.

With Adelaide shutting the door on the top eight last night, this game would have meant more to the Tigers, who had one last opportunity to offload the wooden spoon. It was a fierce, if not error riddled contest, with the lead see sawing in the second half.

Gehrig announced his retirement before the game, revealing the decision to his teammates only moments before the start. The giant full-forward bagged five goals, including a long range bomb after the final siren. He took the unusual step of going topless shortly afterwards, picking out a young female fan and handing her his guernsey.

Fellow veteran Andrew Thompson was given one last appearance before his retirement, with coach Ross Lyon choosing to elevate the veteran into the 22 once the Saints could no longer compete for a finals spot.

The Saints seemed destined to run away with the game early, when they dominated. However their kicking in front of goal was poor, leaving the Tigers with a chance to recover.

Richmond clawed their way back from 47-22 down, eventually hitting the lead in the final term on the back of four answered goals. Kayne Pettifer was mighty, finishing with 4.3.

Gehrig put the Saints back in front for good at the fifteen minute mark of the final term, then the game ended with his fifth. Justin Koschitzke landed four, while Nick Riewoldt kicked three.

The Saints end their season with eleven wins and a draw, usually good enough to make the final eight, with the possibility that only percentage will keep them out of the finals.

Despite running last for the seventh time in the club’s history, The Tigers will enter the pre season not lacking encouragement. Their last month has been productive, with wins over Collingwood and Essendon, as well as honourable losses in Perth against West Coast as well as today.