St Kilda’s pursuit of Ross Lyon as their new coach continues apace, with the two parties edging closer to a reunion.
Sources close to Lyon say there have been no “surprise” issues bob up among broad and detailed conversations, with discussions ongoing.
The Saints have had Lyon firmly in their sights since sacking Brett Ratten on Thursday, with Lyon confirming his interest in returning to the club he led between 2007-11 before quitting in dramatic circumstances and heading to the Fremantle Dockers.
Days gone by: Brendon Goddard is one former Saint to have endorsed the possible return of Ross Lyon to Moorabbin.Credit:Sebastian Costanzo
Lyon met with Saints president Andrew Bassat and chief executive Simon Lethlean for more than four hours at Bassat’s home on Monday. Lyon and club officials were expected to meet again on Wednesday. Regardless, Lyon is the clear favourite to take charge.
The Saints want a “ruthless” mentor who can bring a hardened defensive edge to the side, while also embracing the need for a more attacking style encouraged by recent rule changes.
Following an internal review, Bassat is determined the Saints no longer be stuck between sixth and 10th on the ladder, declaring he wants a team consistently capable of being in the premiership mix.
Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge has been touted as a possible option for the Saints should Lyon not take the role, but the Bulldogs insist he is not leaving. Beveridge has a year to run on his contract, with negotiations to open soon. Adem Yze, the highly respected Melbourne assistant coach who missed out on the Essendon and Greater Western Sydney senior coaching roles, does not yet appear to be in the mix.
Lyon led the Saints to grand finals in 2009-10 and the Dockers to the 2013 decider before he was sacked in 2019. He has since worked in the construction industry, and forged a media career on Triple M and Nine’s Footy Classified.
Should he return to Moorabbin, he would have the endorsement of many of the stars he coached a decade ago, including Nick Riewoldt, Leigh Montagna and Brendon Goddard.
Meanwhile, industry sources said Port Adelaide’s list boss Jason Cripps was contracted to the Power, and would not head to Moorabbin.
After a quiet trade period, Saints’ list boss James Gallagher said internal improvement was needed next season. The club review, expected to be released in part, has looked into the Saints’ wider list management calls.
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