Hayes to retire

[FQF]

Will be announced shortly.

[Selhurst Saint]

I just saw it on the Herald Sun website and my heart almost fell out of my chest...

[perfectionist]

If so, and he plays the rest of the season, he will be stuck on 297 games. He will be 35 in January.

[FQF]

It's hard to see how he will be replaced in the short term. Has been pivotal this year in keeping us from 100 points trouncings every week.

[SemperFidelis]

I feel ill.

[Bunk_Moreland]

If true, thanks for your service Lenny.

All the best.

True Saints man.

We lived through losing Plugger, Burkie, Stewie, and Harvs retiring,

We will live through a Lennyless Saints as we will live through a Roo-less forward line at the end of next year.

[savatage]

It's sad but can't say it's really surprising.

I think it's the right move.

[busso mick]

Well done Lenny, he has thought long and hard about it and it is the right choice. My favourite Sainter ever.

[SainterK]

But he didn't ask me if I'm ready....

And I'm not

[Old Mate]

One club player. Legend of the StK FC.

[Bluthy]

But he didn't ask me if I'm ready....

And I'm not

Thanks for making me laugh SK. I needed that. Maybe he's really struggling with his body more than he lets on. He could be getting shots just to get through games. 296 is really as good as 300. He will get the hugest cheering you've every seen at his last home game. He may end up with hearing damage.

[SemperFidelis]

I still feel ill, and now I'm weeping.

http://www.saints.com.au/video/2013-07- ... to-members

[oh when the]

He is the soul of the Saints.

Now I have to get to his last game in Adelaide just to show my thanks to this great St Kilda Clubman.

[dragit]

Sad day, great man.

All class as ever, addressing the members before the public.

[Junction Oval]

Another legend gone and still a very capable player. It's disappointing that he will not reach 300 games, but that will not diminish his achievements!

He has set a great example to many young Saints supporters over the years. on how to carry yourself.

ALL supporters will miss him. So will the Club and its young, inexperienced players.

Best wishes for future good health, happiness and success in the future, Lenny

[jonesy]

If his last game is to be at the Adelaide oval then we should make the effort and get over there. A case could be argued no other saint has ever given more for the cause,so the least we could do is go over the the game.

We could turn it into a bit of a weekend,SS night at some Bar,etc. Anyway,who knows he might get injured before then and pull the pin

[Saintlester]

Much as I would love to see him here in Adelaide I think it would be a fitting send off to a legend of the club if his last game was in Melbourne second last round and don't subject him to the flight to Adelaide.

Allow majority of Saint fans to give him a fitting farewell.

[saintspremiers]

I assume it's his decision and his only. Bloody well hope he wasn't pushed at all given the likely spuds we will keep on next season. Real shame he won't get the 300 milestone, but he's always the clubman. If so, thanks for being a legend at the Saints. There will only ever be one Lenny.

[saintspremiers]

Much as I would love to see him here in Adelaide I think it would be a fitting send off to a legend of the club if his last game was in Melbourne second last round and don't subject him to the flight to Adelaide.

Allow majority of Saint fans to give him a fitting farewell.

Out last home game is Round 20 vs the Dogs.

It's also Eastern's Big March day.

This should be Lenny's farewell game - a HOME game in front of possibly 30,000 fans if enough still care.

Bugger playing him in any of the final 3 away games - he deserves to watch them in comfort however he chooses.

[SemperFidelis]

Much as I would love to see him here in Adelaide I think it would be a fitting send off to a legend of the club if his last game was in Melbourne second last round and don't subject him to the flight to Adelaide.

Allow majority of Saint fans to give him a fitting farewell.

Yep, and I think that even though that is a Richmond home game, it is the replacement home game for Saints members b/c of NZ.

http://www.saints.com.au/news/2014-02-2 ... ement-game

We could come as close as we have ever done to filling the G since 2010.

[saintspremiers]

Much as I would love to see him here in Adelaide I think it would be a fitting send off to a legend of the club if his last game was in Melbourne second last round and don't subject him to the flight to Adelaide.

Allow majority of Saint fans to give him a fitting farewell.

Yep, and I think that even though that is a Richmond home game, it is the replacement home game for Saints members b/c of NZ.

http://www.saints.com.au/news/2014-02-2 ... ement-game

We could come as close as we have ever done to filling the G since 2010.

You would need in total at least 70K neutrals and Tigers fans to fill the G if that was Lenny's swansong.

[Saint wagga]

It's a sad day knowing that Lenny wont be playing next season. As the spiritual leader of the club through a golden era, It really has that end of an Era feel about it, even more so than the multi retirements last year... I'm sure the club will do all it can to keep Lenny at Seaford next year in a coaching capacity!

[GrumpyOne]

... I'm sure the club will do all it can to keep Lenny at Seaford next year in a coaching capacity!

I hope he stays connected to the Club. Quality human being, many roles he could fulfil.

[spert]

One of the most respected players in the competition by his peers and supporters of all clubs. He will be a big loss, and we should all stand and applaud his efforts for the Saints. I really hope the club can keep him involved somehow...I can almost see him as a future coach, but who knows.

[andrewg]

Shattered
My favourite player of all time......just in front of harvey. I know halves was a champ but I actually am in love with Lenny:(

I need a hug.