St Kilda fans were chanting ‘Ross the Boss’ after their unbeaten start to 2023 as the “no name” attack end continues to get the job done.
Remarkably, the last time St Kilda started a season 3-0 they went all the way to the grand final in promising signs for the club who sit two wins from two games.
With Ross Lyon back at the helm, as he was in that 2010 season, St Kilda have been one of the surprise packets through an “honest brand” of footy.
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With a forward line decimated by injury, Lyon and his coaching staff have pulled together a makeshift attack end – with the likes of Jade Gresham, Anthony Caminiti, Mitch Owens, Matthaes Phillipou and Jack Higgins.
“None of those players have really played much in the forward line before – you can add (Zaine) Cordy to that as well,” On the Couch panellist Nathan Buckley said.
“Those three together – (Tim) Membrey, (Max) King and Higgins, early in the season last year St Kilda were one of the most effective sides going inside 50 when they got to 8-3 halfway through the year.
“They are doing it with no names now.”
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Jonathan Brown praised the “unique” way Lyon had been able to produce goals without injured duo Membrey and King.
“The smaller guys have done a fantastic job,” he said.
Buckley said it was the pressure Lyon had drilled into his side that was reaping rewards in the attack half.
“Ross has always been a coach who’s loved to see pressure on the opposition,” he said.
“Once they got the first mark, he’s just happy to defend the middle of the ground and make it hard for that transition to occur.”
According to statistics, the Saints have coughed up the most marks against in 2023, but allowed the fewest metres gained per disposal in the competition.
“They don’t let you get through, they’ll give you the footy. They’ll let you take marks and take possessions but they won’t let you take ground,” On The Couch host Garry Lyon said.
Talking about the fan support he’s received in his second-coming as Saints coach, Lyon admitted he was “a little bit embarrassed” by all the love.
He says he’s just tried to keep it simple with the players and get a full buy in.
“Sometimes it’s as simple as clarity,” he said.
“Water what you want to grow is a really simple one.
“The stand rule was brought in, I can guarantee if they get rid of that rule and you’re allowed to double guard the mark, you won’t see the footy played now.
“We actually coached the rules in place.
“It’s freed the Sherrin and we’re all adapting to it.”
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Former Saint Nick Dal Santo said it was clear Lyon had the support of the players in the way they pressured every contest.
“He said the players get to make a choice, they either buy in or you don’t. You always have a choice. What we’ve seen so far is they’ve bought into the Ross Lyon style of play,” he said on AFL Tonight.
“They are aggressive, extremely aggressive in defence to turn that ball over as quickly as they can and in offence we’ve seen more flair … even though they don’t have seven of the best starting 22 in the last two weeks.”
The Saints will next host fellow 2023 surprise packets Essendon at Marvel Stadium on Saturday night.
