One of St Kilda's finest has called it a day. The Saints announced on Monday that dual best and fairest Sam Fisher had retired.
Fisher, 34, had been in limbo in recent weeks after St Kilda told the South Australian they could not guarantee him a place on their list in 2017. His chances of staying at Seaford became even slimmer when the Saints signed Collingwood premiership backman Nathan Brown as a free agent earlier in October.
![Sam Fisher (right) has retired.](/web/20161102104600im_/http://www.watoday.com.au/content/dam/images/g/r/3/5/x/7/image.related.articleLeadwide.620x349.gsepjh.png/1477890143057.jpg)
That signature, coupled with the impending return of Jake Carlisle and the emergence of Hugh Goddard marginalised the veteran, who was an All-Australian in 2008, won the Trevor Barker Award that year and in 2011, and was a mainstay of the Ross Lyon-coached Saints that fell agonisingly short of claiming the club's second premiership in 2009 and 2010.
Fisher played 228 games after being taken as a mature age recruit at pick 55 in the 2003 draft. He was plagued by injuries in recent seasons, playing just 61 games in the past five years.
Fisher thanked the Saints for the opportunity they had given him.
"I've thoroughly enjoyed my time playing for St Kilda Football Club and I can retire knowing that I have given my all over the past 13 years," he said.
"While it will be different supporting from the sidelines, I'm looking forward to seeing my teammates and coaches enjoy well-deserved success in the years to come.
"I don't think anyone imagines they'll play over 200 games but I'm so grateful to have had this experience and would like to thank St Kilda Football Club and the fans for their support over the years."
The club's coach Alan Richardson paid tribute to the departing champion.
"Sam arrived at the club before a lot of us, myself included, but he will also leave a legacy that will extend past many of our times at the club," Richardson said.
"While Sam's honours as an All-Australian, Trevor Barker Award Winner and International Rules player highlight the impact he's had on the field, he's also taken the opportunity in the last few years to help and teach our young defenders.
"Sam's definitely made his mark on the club. We thank him for his remarkable service and wish him all the best for the future."
0 comments
New User? Sign up