The fairy tale finish that nearly wasn't

Nothing could personify Michael Klinger's selfless character more than him turning down the offer of a farewell match, presented to him by head coach Adam Voges a few days ago.

Such is the importance of putting the team first for the 38-year-old, he wouldn't entertain the idea of a send-off, even with the last-placed Scorchers being well and truly out of the finals race.

"Adam's been fantastic, he offered me a farewell game a few days ago and I didn't feel that comfortable with it to be honest," Klinger revealed after playing in the Optus Stadium match against the Melbourne Stars on Sunday evening.

"I said unless I'm in the best XI I probably didn't want to do it, because I didn't feel like taking someone's spot was the right thing to do.

"Just by chance Shaun (Marsh) did his hamstring and things opened up for me to be able to play tonight."

The fan favourite made the most of his opportunity, posting his top score for the season and combining with Josh Inglis for a 47-run opening wicket stand that set up the launchpad for the Scorchers' highest total of BBL|08.

When Klinger's fairy tale final knock was cut short as he holed out on 30, rapturous applause filled the stadium from a crowd of 16,660 that saw the Scorchers beat the Stars by 27 runs.

"The round of applause when I got out – unfortunately when I got out – was something I'll remember forever," Klinger said.

"It was a great moment for the family as well. My Dad flew over as did a good mate of mine, and obviously Cindy and the kids, my niece came over from Melbourne as well.

"So to have all them here was very special."

It's been a season to forget for the Scorchers – the first time in BBL history the club has not qualified for the finals – but not even the lean run could dim the Perth crowd's spirited farewell for their adopted son.

"It was great to get a win and the boys carrying me off at the end was pretty special," Klinger said.

"It means everything (to get the win). Overall as a team we're obviously disappointed with this season, we feel we had the team to go further and make finals and it just hasn't clicked throughout.

"But that's the way it works sometimes and I'm sure we'll go bigger and better next year."

Despite power-hitter Chris Lynn being hot on his heels, Klinger is currently the BBL's all-time leading run-scorer with 1,947 to his name.

His narrow two-run lead over the Brisbane skipper is not something he's giving any thought to.

"I don't think it really matters, Lynny's going to play for another five-plus years anyway and go way further so I'm not too fussed about that," Klinger laughed.

"Hopefully I get another game next week in Adelaide but it was a great way to say goodbye to the home crowd and to get a win was even more special."