FINAL SIREN FOR SEASON 2008

THE 21.21 (147) to 5.9 (39) landslide at the Concrete Dome was the Saints' biggest win ever over the Bombers and the margin could easily have been larger, given the number of simple shots for goal missed by St Kilda players.

It was a case of an in-form St Kilda side steaming towards the business end of the AFL season against an undermanned Essendon outfit for whom the year could not end quickly enough.

Bombers coach Matthew Knights believes his inexperienced and severely injury-weakened team never stopped trying, but were unable to physically match the Saints, who needed to win big and did.

“St Kilda were up and running and wanting the double chance, and we probably had six to eight blokes that probably aren’t up to league footy. Whether they are old or young or their physical capabilities aren’t up to it, compared to the team we played today,” O’Donnell said.

“It’s disappointing to fall away the way we did but hopefully it will teach the young blokes, that haven’t played much footy, that footy is a tough, hard game and if you are a little bit off, a little underdone, if you haven’t got a real competitive streak in you then game will bite you. Hopefully the ones that do survive into the future on our list, that take us to our next premiership learn from today.” Gary O'Donnell said.

The team will learn some hard lessons according to Essendon assistant coach, Gary O’Donnell.

"Even in the third quarter there and the last quarter the boys were endeavouring and they were trying things," Knights said of a final term in which they were smashed 7.6 to 0.1.

"They were trying to generate run and movement and we just couldn't get any flow whatsoever ... we couldn't make anything work for us today.

"We were completely outpointed, St Kilda fixed up Adelaide good and proper last week and Adelaide have shown their formline was pretty good, so we were playing a side that was in pretty good nick." Knights said.

"Every player that represented our club today had that best intention to (give them a good send-off), it just didn't pan out like that, we didn't play well enough," he said.

"I know there's a lot of emotional players (in the rooms afterwards) that really do admire the four boys that are retiring.

"The performance wasn't good, but the four guys that played today that are retiring have done themselves proud and been wonderful people for the Essendon footy club and that's what it's about." Coach Matthew Knights said.

ESSENDON farewelled three favourites and a three-repeat champion yesterday.

The four players - Adam Ramanauskas, Jason Johnson, Damien Peverill and Mal Michael - did a lap of honour after a performance coach Matthew Knights described as "hugely disappointing".

Before the game, Knights invited former teammates, including James Hird, Stephen Alessio and Joe Misiti, into the final address to the players.

Knights also allowed recently retired Docker, Mark Johnson, and current Docker Dean Solomon into what was as emotional final day for the popular foursome.

Peverill, who is seeking another club next year, was brought to tears.

Farewell Essendonians.

WE turn our attention to next year - 2009 - trades & de-listings...

TIME for the rest of our boys to enjoy Mad-Monday and catch-up (with) to Andrew Lovett!

Cheers,

CHRISTOS BOMBEROPOULOS