Gehrig decision on hold
20/05/2008 7:07 PM
The playing future of St Kilda spearhead Fraser Gehrig remains clouded with the Saints electing to place the veteran forward on the long-term injury list.
Gehrig has been suffering in recent weeks with a chronic arthritic condition in his hands and the club has elected to let the 32-year-old have time to recover and then assess where his future lies.
Gehrig decided to retire at the end of last season, but had an about-face and was re-drafted only to struggle for form and fitness throughout the year.
"My body just isn't what is used to be and despite my best efforts to play competitively, I'll now need to take some time to work out how to better manage my hands," he said in a statement.
"My return this year was always going to be a risk but I love the Saints and the game and was fully prepared to take my chances. I don't regret a minute of it but these days I've got to listen to my body when it tells me that I'm pushing it too hard."
Senior Coach, Ross Lyon said it was clear Gehrig needed a few weeks to rest up and assess where he was at.
"Football can be a gruelling sport but when your body tells you to rest, you need to rest. Fraser is one of the most popular players in the competition and will be an inspiration to the game for many years to come," he said.
There must be now severe doubt over whether Gehrig, who has played 255 games for both the Saints and West Coast, will play again.
His placement on the long-term list means he will be ineligible to play for eight weeks.