St Kilda defender Jake Carlisle won’t play any further part in the Saints’ AFL finals campaign after leaving Queensland ahead of the birth of his child.
The Saints on Monday confirmed the 29-year-old had departed their Noosa hub to be with his partner Mel, with the couple imminently expecting their third child.
“We thank Jake for staying as long as he possibly could before heading to NSW to be with Mel for the birth,” St Kilda’s chief operating officer Simon Lethlean said.
“He has been away from his young family for a number of months now and we thank him for making that sacrifice.
“We support him in this decision and wish Jake, Mel, (and children) Nash and Layker all the best for the coming weeks.”
Carlisle’s absence is a further blow to St Kilda as they prepare for their semi-final clash with reigning premiers Richmond on Friday night.
Veteran ruckman Paddy Ryder has been ruled out for the rest of the season after injuring his hamstring in the dying stages of Saturday’s elimination final win against the Western Bulldogs.
Ryder starred in the first finals victory of his 257-game career.
“We gathered the players on Sunday night to thank both Jake and Paddy who will return to Melbourne for assessment on his hamstring,” Lethlean said.
“Both guys have had a big influence on our year and we wanted them to know how appreciative we are of their efforts.”
Defender Ben Long could also miss the game against the Tigers after being slapped with a one-match ban for rough conduct.
Long crunched Bulldogs midfielder Jack Macrae with a high bump.