7.04pm‘This is a love job’: Lyon on HowardBy Roy WardLong-time Saint Dougal Howard will play his last game tonight and coach Ross Lyon admits his selection was a nod to his service, rather than his form after injuries have ruined his season.Howard announced this week that his time at the Saints would finish and Lyon said he wanted to repay Howard for his loyal service and leadership by making sure he played 100 games for the Saints rather than remain stuck on 99.Dougal Howard of the Saints warms up.Getty Images“I’ve said we have really good integrity, but this is a love job,” Lyon told Kayo Sports.“And we make no apologies for that. His integrity for fighting on and fighting the club since he has been here, we were really keen to get him to 100 [games] and if I get a clip for that, then so be it.“Myself and our leaders thought it was the right thing to do.”6.47pmOut-of-contract Butler keen to end tough season wellBy St Kilda’s season-ending match against Gold Coast is a long way from a dead rubber for forward Dan Butler.Carlton’s draw last Sunday killed off the last faint hope the Saints had of making the wildcard round. But the day before, Butler had returned to the senior side and kicked two goals in their win over Richmond.Dan Butler celebrates a goal.AFL PhotosIt was only his ninth senior game this season after managing just six last year, and the 30-year-old is about to come out of contract.So Butler has plenty to play for on Thursday night at Marvel Stadium.6.29pmHoward plays final game for SaintsBy Roy WardSt Kilda defender Dougal Howard will play his 100th and last game for the Saints when they play the Suns tonight.Howard, 30, has played 12 seasons in the AFL after being drafted to Port Adelaide Power in 2014 playing 45 goals before being traded to the Saints in 2019.Dougal Howard of the Saints spoils a mark by Oscar Allen of the Lions.Getty ImagesInjuries have been a constant challenge for Howard who emotionally revealed to his teammates earlier this week that his time at the Saints was coming to an end.“I was a bit emotional, to be honest, when I spoke to the boys,” Howard said.6.29pmInteractive: Your club’s path in 2026By 6.17pmGood eveningBy G’day everyone and welcome to our AFL live blog as we begin the final round of the season (where did the previous 23 rounds go?).I’ll be tapping away for the clash between St Kilda and Gold Coast at Marvel Stadium starting at 7.30pm AEST.The roof is on and the teams are going through warm ups.There has been a lot said about whether Suns forward Ben King could leave the club and return to Melbourne in the off-season, so this could be his last game with the club but time will tell on that one.Enjoy the hours to come.1 of 1