Well it’s finally arrived.

The last game of 2013, it definitely feels weird ending the season in August, but the year just hasn’t panned out how we’d all hoped.

The last few weeks have been tough on everyone, and the performances have been well below what is expected by everyone at the club.

Hopefully tomorrow night we can turn it around and finish on a high!

Adelaide are in a pretty similar boat to us this year, a sensational season last year, nearly making a grand final, but have ended up well below what they would have hoped for at the start of the year. In saying this they still boast an elite midfield, and can’t be underestimated.

The boy’s main focus is on playing Eagle footy, the type of footy that has taken us to the top end of the ladder for the last few seasons. A four quarter effort is vital, if we do that, the result will take care of itself.

But this round is special in the fact that we get to say goodbye to three great eagles, all calling time on their career. Andrew Embley, Adam Selwood and Mark Nicoski are all hanging up their boots after tomorrow night.

Embers will go down as one of the greatest Eagles to have pulled on a jumper, a big game player; he will forever be remembered for his heroics in the 2006 grand final. But his longevity and sustained excellence is what really sets him apart from most, a truly great wingman, and one of only eight eagles to have reached the 250 game milestone. Well done Embers!

Sellers is a player who may not get the high acclaims of the superstars of the team, he is a coaches favourite and played key roles throughout our era of dominance which ultimately ended in a flag in ’06. His hard work and determination got the best out of himself, and to finish his career with 187 games and a premiership to boot is a terrific effort. We salute you Sellers!

And Nico, what could have been for Nico is injury hadn’t cruelled him throughout his career. A couple of shoulder reconstructions, ankles, knees, hammys, you name it, Nico’s body has been battered from the day he got to the club. It’s an amazing effort for him to make it over 100 games; I’ll always remember Nico slamming through the opening goal in the 2005 grand final. While that day ended in heartbreak, I’m sure he’ll look back fondly on his magnificent contribution he’s made to the club over the years. Nice work Nico!

And tour fans, the best in the business. Thank you so much for your continued support this season, I know the boys really appreciate it. Without your help it would be impossible for us to perform at the level we strive for, your unwavering loyalty is truly appreciated by the whole club.

Best wishes, have a great off season, see you on Saturday!

Love Rick.