When Eddie Betts took a mark inside Adelaide’s forward 50m with two minutes left on the clock on Sunday evening, retiring champion Ben Rutten set off on one last run from defence.

Rutten, who played his 229^th and final game against St Kilda, ran the best part of 100 metres to get on the end of a handball from the selfless Betts.

The All-Australian defender took a few steps to steady himself and then set sail for goal from 35 metres almost directly in front. The ball went through the big sticks ensuring Rutten – who kicked three goals with his first three kicks in AFL – finished his career the way the same way it started.

“As soon as I saw Eddie mark it, I thought ‘I’ve got one more 100-metre sprint in me’. I thought I’d try my luck and get down there,” Rutten told afc.com.au after his last game.

“Eddie had a magnificent day and it was good that he dished it off to me. I was conscious not to have another kick after that.

“I think I had one more handball, but I wasn’t going to kick the footy.”

The Crows farewelled the Club great with a 79-point win over the Saints at Adelaide Oval.

Rutten said he would remember his final game and the support of the 19^th Man fondly.

“It’s fantastic to be able to finish with the win. Obviously, it’s been a disappointing year for us in terms of results and not making the finals,” he said.

“I think it’s just a matter of tweaking a few little things. Like any team that doesn’t make the finals, some tough decisions need to be made. But we’ve got a great environment to do that and move forward. There is a good foundation here to use as a springboard into next season.

“The atmosphere out there today was great. Our supporters have been amazing all year. We’re No.1 in the AFL for home crowds, which is a huge effort. I really appreciate the support I’ve had from all our fans over the years.

“It’s been great and you’ve got a good team to follow in the next few years. Thank you.”

Rutten celebrated the day with wife Kylie and sons Bernie and Jack.

The boys walked out onto the ground with their dad pre-game and watched from the player race as he slotted only the ninth goal of his career.

“The boys were pretty excited about today and being able to go out on the oval. But then Jack said to me that he wasn’t excited because he’s not going to see me play again,” Rutten said.

“That’s a bit sad, but it’s great they’ve been able to experience what they have. To take them out onto the ground today was really special.”

A respected mentor and teacher for Adelaide’s young defenders, Rutten has already expressed an interest in coaching and is hopeful of making his way into the AFL system next season.

“I’ll have to get into the real world now and try to get a job. I’m really keen to get into coaching and I feel I have a bit to offer in that space.”