Just like the players and fans, Luke Ablett is looking forward this weekend's Swans v St Kilda match. Despite choosing not to continue his nine-year, 133-game career with the Swans after being delisted at the end of the 2009 season, Luke will be at ANZ Stadium eagerly awaiting the first bounce.

The Club has invited Ablett to the first game to give the fans, the Club and his former teammates an opportunity to say thanks for the memories and good luck for the future.

Fans will be given the opportunity to formally farewell Ablett during an on-field presentation at half-time, a gesture by the Club that came as a surprise to Ablett.

“I was really surprised to be honest. I’m honoured and flattered but I didn’t feel I deserved anything like that. I have never really put myself in that category,” he said.

Senior Coach Paul Roos certainly has a different opinion. “Luke typified us as a footy Club during a really successful period. Guys like him who sacrifice their game for the team don’t need external accolades. He had enormous respect from his teammates and the coaches and he will be missed.”

Ablett will be cheering loudly for the home side on Saturday night. “The Swans are still my team and I really want them to win. Some of my great mates are playing,” Ablett said.

One player that Luke will keep a close eye on is Ryan O’Keefe. “Pebbles and I always buddied up during the pre-match warm up. That’s the problem when a guy leaves, it changes all the pre-match routines.”

It’s not the only pre-match routine that will change. Many fans and members were intrigued as to why Luke was always first through the banner. “It was around 2005 or 2006. We were on the field ready to run through the banner and all the boys stood waiting. Whoever used to be first through wasn’t playing anymore. So I thought I’d give it a go and ran through. From then on I was always first through. Even if I was last up the race, the boys would always wait for me to go through first,” remembers Ablett.

Ablett has relocated to Melbourne to study at University and he is playing for Box Hill where he has retained his premiership guernsey, number 20. He will be in the stands on Saturday night watching the game alongside former teammates Michael O’Loughlin, Leo Barry and Jared Crouch. “I’m pretty excited to be honest. I’ll be able to relax a bit more because the result won’t affect my whole week,” Ablett said.

This Saturday is your chance to show your appreciation to Luke for all the great memories and wish him all the best for the future.

The Sydney Swans clash with St Kilda this Saturday night under lights at ANZ Stadium. Our last two contests with the Saints have been decided by only one point, so this game is guaranteed to be a thriller! Grab your tickets now at www.ticketek.com.au