St Kilda players Steven Baker and Robert Eddy have denied coach Ross Lyon's claims they retired in the wake of the Saints' season-ending loss to Sydney.
Both played no part in the Saints' 25-point loss to Sydney in Saturday night's elimination final at Etihad Stadium, which marked the end of a disappointing season for last season's losing grand finalists.
Lyon announced after the game that Baker and Eddy, in addition to Michael Gardiner and Andrew McQualter, had all retired from the game.
"Within the rooms, we just acknowledged the retirements of Michael Gardiner, Steven Baker, Robert Eddy and Andrew McQualter," Lyon told reporters in the wake of the defeat.
"(They are) four players that have been integral members of my time at the Saints in our finals quest. They gave great effort and I really want to acknowledge publicly their effort."
"(They have) great character, (are) great competitors and we'll miss them."
But in a season full of embarrassing off-field incidents for the Saints, both Baker and Eddy took to social media website Twitter to clear the air on Sunday morning.
"Thanks for all of the messages of support. I would also like to make it clear that I did not retire," Baker posted.
Baker, who has played 203 matches for the Saints since 1999, will surely feel disappointed by Lyon's words.
He will now emerge as a prime candidate for expansion club Greater Western Sydney, who have already expressed an interest in recruiting experienced players to help the club's younger players in their initial AFL season in 2012.
Eddy posted a similar message on Twitter shortly after Saturday night's loss and is also hopeful of continuing his career at the highest level.
"Thanks for your support... but let me make it clear, I did not retire!" Eddy posted.
"I am 23 and feel like i still have a lot to give at AFL level.."
Baker and Eddy played in both grand finals in 2010 against Collingwood.