St Kilda Football Club has been advised by Luke Ball that he will leave the Club.
Senior Coach Ross Lyon recently met with Ball to reiterate the Saints’ interests in retaining Luke and also outlined the improvements necessary for both Luke and the entire St Kilda playing list to again be competitive in 2010. However Luke has now made the decision to pursue his career elsewhere.
While St Kilda is disappointed with Luke’s decision, the Club believes it has conducted itself appropriately through what have been lengthy and complex negotiations in attempting to find a fair and reasonable outcome for all concerned.
The Club would like to thank Luke for his contribution throughout his eight year career at the Saints.
There will be no further comment on this matter as St Kilda now focuses on the upcoming AFL Drafts and preparation for the 2010 season.
Dissapointing but all the best Luke. Wonder if it has anything to do with Lyons speech to the players after the GF where he told them that anybody not willing to put in even harder next year should come see him and be moved on?