It is usually sad to say goodbye to someone you love.

But it was smiles all round last week when passionate St Kilda fans farewelled beloved players Lenny Hayes and Justin Koschitzke during a visit to Benalla.

The former St Kilda greats toured Victoria as part of the league’s Toyota Retiring Legends Lap of Honour and stopped by Benalla Toyota on Wednesday morning.

Hayes played his final game in the red, white and black this season and said he was grateful for those who supported his 16-year career.

‘‘It’s good to get out to the regional areas and I’ve been sort of surprised by how many Saints supporters show up,’’ he said.

‘‘It’s just such a big part of the towns. You’ve got the football and netball and the real social thing, which I don’t think people get in the city that much — that real community feel.’’

The 297-game veteran said he was very close to pulling the pin on his career at the end of 2013 when Stephen Milne, Koschitzke and Jason Blake retired, but was glad he ran out one more year.

‘‘The best part about it was the guys, we were a really tight group and those mateships and friendships live on a lot longer than our playing games, that’s what I’m really proud of,’’ he said.

‘‘I felt I gave it absolutely everything I had. I had a really good run, I played for 16 years and you have your ups and downs — and I certainly had a lot of adversity and injuries — but I’ve enjoyed it.’’

Lenny Hayes and Justin Koschitzke with lifelong St Kilda fan Alby Hales

Koschitzke retired last year from the AFL and played 12 games for Lavington in the Ovens and Murray Football League this season.

A former country boy from just north of Albury, the retired St Kilda forward said he was relishing being able to get back to his roots.

‘‘I love the people and I love the attitude of everybody, the ‘can do’ and the camaraderie of it all,’’ he said.

‘‘Playing back at home has been awesome to come back to a local footy level.

‘‘I’d prefer to drive four hours up to Lavi to play footy than play suburban footy just around the corner.

‘‘It’s an effort to get in the car and get everyone up there, but once you get here you know it’s all worth it.’’

Among those who came out to meet the players was 87-year-old Alby Hales, who has been a passionate St Kilda supporter his entire life.

Mr Hales and his daughter made a special visit to the Toyota dealership to see the players, who were thrilled to meet such passionate supporters.
Both players also took the time to speak to Benalla Saints players ahead of their grand final appearances this weekend.

‘‘I learnt pretty early on that the intensity does go up in finals, so I don’t think I was prepared for that early in my career,’’ Hayes said.

‘‘Once I played a few and realised, it wasn’t something I was intimidated by, but I think I had to prepare for that increase in intensity.

‘‘If you really want to get to that next step you’ve got to be willing to sacrifice, if you just do what everyone else is doing then you might not be able to get to that next level, so just try to go above and beyond, but also enjoy it.

‘‘I found that I got my best results when I enjoyed it and playing team sport, enjoying each other’s company is a big part of it.’’

Fans of all ages came to meet the players, who happily signed autographs and posed for photos with each and every supporter.

This article was originally published HERE.