Another day, another retirement in the AFL. Injury-prone St Kilda key position utility Beau Maister has played his last game at the elite level, with the Saints making the announcement via their official website on Tuesday.
Maister injured his shoulder a fortnight ago while playing for Sandringham in the VFL. He subsequently had season-ending surgery.
Maister's AFL journey began when he was rookie-listed by West Coast at the end of 2004 while still known by his former name of Beau Wilkes. He was delisted twice by the Eagles only to be re-rookied on both occasions- at last debuting in 2008 - before being cast aside for good at the end of 2010.
A strong season in the WAFL during 2011 led to Maister being picked up by new St Kilda coach Scott Watters in that year's national draft. He proved to be a handy acquisition for the Saints, playing 10 games in his first season at the club, highlighted by a five goal haul against Melbourne in round 20. However a hamstring ailment cruelled the second half of his 2013, and having been dropped after the first four rounds of 2014, he would not return to the senior side.
He finishes his career with 44 games, 21 of which came at St Kilda.
Saints head of football Chris Pelchen commended Maister's resilience.
"It is with real disappointment that we say goodbye to Beau as he has become one of the most admired and respected players within our group," Pelchen said in a statement.
"Since joining the Saints, he has performed to his absolute ability through sheer hard work and determination…qualities that have endeared him to everyone at the club.
"We thank Beau for his commitment to the Saints and wish him every success for the future."
