Ben Sigmund's Played His Last Game

A touching moment for Ben Sigmund and Manny Muscat in their farewell from the Wellington Phoenix.

The pair were given a standing ovation as they trudged off Westpac Stadium in the final minutes of their 2-nil A-League loss to Western Sydney Wanderers.

Sigmund is retiring while Muscat is leaving to join Melbourne City.

Sigmund said it was apt he left the field with a bloodied shirt and taped head.

"Probably not a bad way to go out really, leave it all out on the field. I always remember we used to win every game when Tim Brown used to get a headband, I thought maybe that might've happened."

It ends an eight year and 181-game career for the 35-year-old Sigmund.

"Tried my hardest out there but I felt pretty flat. I think my body's just told me you've done everything, you've given this club everything, you've run your socks off every game. It's ready for a rest I think."

The Phoenix have finished the season second to bottom on the table.

Coach Ernie Merrick is gutted.

"The season as a whole has been disappointing for our fans and the club. I think it's been a tough year particularly for our players but we've learned a lot and a lot of boys stood up."

It means the Wanderers join Adelaide in having the first week off in the A-League playoffs.

Brisbane will play the Melbourne Victory and Melbourne City hosts Perth in the elimination finals.

Radio Sport