St Kilda players Steven Baker and Robert Eddy have denied they retired, forcing the AFL club to make an embarrassing clarification about their departures.

Soon after Saturday night's season-ending elimination final loss to Sydney, coach Ross Lyon announced in the changerooms that Baker, Eddy, Michael Gardiner and Andrew McQualter had all retired.

Lyon again used the term when speaking about the four players at his post-game media conference.

But soon after, Eddy went on Twitter to express his dissent.

"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, 31, also put a message on Twitter, making it clear he was not happy with the use of the word "retire".

"Thanks for all the messages of support," he said.

"I would also like to make it clear that I did not retire."

It was one final postscript in a tough season for the Saints, who recovered from several off-field problems to host the final against the Swans.

The club issued a media statement on Sunday afternoon, thanking the four players.

St Kilda also clarified that the quartet "would be departing the Saints at season's end".

"In recognition of the part they've each played in the club's growth and success, the coach made the announcement following the team's exit from its fourth successive finals appearance," the club said in the media release.

"All four players played in the club's recent grand final appearances and end their careers at the Saints with honour and admiration."

None of the quartet played in Saturday night's loss to Sydney.

Gardiner had his first and only senior game of the season in round 24, but was dropped for the elimination final.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP