By Jon Pierik
Ross Lyon has been appointed St Kilda coach for the second time, with the club announcing a four-year deal on Monday.
The Saints have called a press conference at Moorabbin at 1pm AEDT.
Ross Lyon will be announced as St Kilda coach on Monday afternoon.Credit:Sebastian Costanzo
Lyon met with club president Andrew Bassat, chief executive Simon Lethlean, influential football director Jason Blake and new football department boss Geoff Walsh, the latter yet to officially start, at Bassat’s Bayside home on Sunday, paving the way for Lyon to return for a second stint in charge.
Terms of the contract were agreed upon last week, but there had been one clause to address, although it did not relate to finances or Lyon’s behaviour. Sources say the debate was over how the club could fit in a football-department figure Lyon wanted under the soft cap. However, that issue was dealt with over the weekend.
Lyon previously coached St Kilda from 2007-11 and steered the club towards three grand final appearances and will hold the role for at least the next four seasons. He coached Fremantle from 2012-19, which included a grand final appearance in 2013.
In a letter to members confirming the appointment, St Kilda president Andrew Bassat said Lyon was the coach needed to develop a winning culture at the club.
“Ross’ unwavering pursuit of on and off-field excellence is exactly what we believe we need to take this club forward,” he said.
“While his senior coaching record and reputation as a leader speaks for itself, Ross has a clear passion for St Kilda and is determined to bring the club and its people long-awaited success.
“Ross is aligned in our vision, and his experiences within the industry – particularly as someone with such in-depth knowledge of St Kilda – should give our members a high level of confidence moving forward.
“As we embark on our 150th year, we will not shy away from our ambitious goals for this club both on and off the field.”
Lyon said he wouldn’t waste a moment in getting to work.
“I have always had a strong affinity to the Saints, and it feels incredible to be back here as senior coach,” Lyon said.
“I have unfinished business with St Kilda and want to play a role in delivering success to the industry’s most loyal fans.”
He will start in the job on November 1.
“I have kept a close eye on the competition since leaving the coaching ranks and have used this time to grow in areas I believe will assist me in this next chapter of my football career,” Lyon said.
“I’m looking forward to meeting all the players and staff in the coming weeks and am excited to get started.”
Keep up to date with the best AFL coverage in the country. Sign up for the Real Footy newsletter.
