AFL LIVE: The Saints have trailed throughout the night, but could a fairytale finish be on the cards at Marvel?

Long-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.

“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.