News 2023 St Kilda Media Thread

[George]

Possibly the greatest Saint of all-time

5.19: "Just instinct..." ft. Jason Traianidis

Quickly and easily listen to Unpluggered for free!

player.captivate.fm

 

[Mowman]

RTB on AFL360 tonight

 

[George]

Footy Classified last night with a segment on the Saints including an interview with Nick Riewoldt (I've timestamped it so just hit play)

 

[Jayman15]

David King praising the work of Mitch Owens in the forward line and how he’s comparing to Dusty at the same time on SEN breakfast 28/7

Just make sure you fast forward the useless waffle at the start.

Listen from 6min 30sec - 10min 20sec mark

 

[gringo2011]

David King praising the work of Mitch Owens in the forward line and how he’s comparing to Dusty at the same time on SEN breakfast 28/7

Just make sure you fast forward the useless waffle at the start.

Listen from 6min 30sec - 10min 20sec mark

Mitch is a stats mans dream, His numbers look incredible but you often don't see his impact as easily as the others. I just can't see him winning the RS when others have more eye catching games.

It does show exactly why we aren't throwing him straight into the guts though. His score involvements would be the most in the side by a long way and he's the only player that doesn't seem to lose the ball when it's kicked in their direction more than they win it.

 

[g_TRAIN]

Mitch is a stats mans dream, His numbers look incredible but you often don't see his impact as easily as the others. I just can't see him winning the RS when others have more eye catching games.

It does show exactly why we aren't throwing him straight into the guts though. His score involvements would be the most in the side by a long way and he's the only player that doesn't seem to lose the ball when it's kicked in their direction more than they win it.

I think his best games have been pretty eye-catching, to be honest. The game he won the RS nomination had everything, high marks, spectacular goals, sold some candy, etc.

But as a young forward who's not getting much easy ball, he's going to have more games/periods where everything he does is hard work and toil for not much reward.

 

[gringo2011]

I think his best games have been pretty eye-catching, to be honest. The game he won the RS nomination had everything, high marks, spectacular goals, sold some candy, etc.

But as a young forward who's not getting much easy ball, he's going to have more games/periods where everything he does is hard work and toil for not much reward.

He's got an eye catching game for sure when he's on but he has plenty of games where his impact is much less obvious. Since he was injured he hasn't been as easy to recognise how brilliant he is. Sheezel gets bulk touches every week and you can't help notice the impact. Ashcroft was in at the coal face winning clearance and contesting like 200 gamer. Those guys like in most other awards get all the attention. Owens is one of those guys that you need his stats to see how much of his impact is having. The few eye catching pieces of play are just the tip of his iceberg.

 

[XhazzafootyX]

It’d make me sick if sheezel won rising star, Owens or Ashcroft more deserving. Id have Ashcroft ahead tho

 

[gringo2011]

It’d make me sick if sheezel won rising star, Owens or Ashcroft more deserving. Id have Ashcroft ahead tho

Why. I'd actually give it to him if I was on the committee. Easier to perform as a third tall or a 4th mid in a better side. Sheezel is the best player in the side a lot of the time in a terrible set up. Sure it's easier off HBF but Nick Daicos played most of his footy there and doubt anyone underrates his performance now.

Amiss has kicked more goals than Owens so you are going on his unseen stuff like contested ball stats.

Sheezel's getting stats that are measured against the best players in the comp not against Rising Stars. 26th in AFL for average possessions 15th for totals, 30 something for meters gained etc etc. He was a small to mid sized forward that could potentially play mid at the draft.

If he was playing at Collingwood or Essendon the hype would be deafening.

Will Ashcroft and Harry Sheezel AFL Stats Comparison

Will Ashcroft and Harry Sheezel AFL Stats Comparison.

www.footywire.com

 

[The Slug]

It’d make me sick if sheezel won rising star, Owens or Ashcroft more deserving. Id have Ashcroft ahead tho

It's all the bleating North fans can talk about. They will melt if Sheezel doesn't win it. At the end of the day it's not much of an award, if Chito doesn't get it hope we can look back on it in a few years as a Taylor/Bont type moment.

 

[MordySaint]

https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/mark-robinson-sits-down-with-st-kilda-coach-ross-lyon-on-player-morale-ceo-friction-rumours/news-story/92ba945b89ad0f76ffff3fdcf2a949d6

Welcome to St Kilda, where journalists write stories because we are an easy target.

 

[botts]

https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/mark-robinson-sits-down-with-st-kilda-coach-ross-lyon-on-player-morale-ceo-friction-rumours/news-story/92ba945b89ad0f76ffff3fdcf2a949d6

Welcome to St Kilda, where journalists write stories because we are an easy target.

Can someone get past this pay wall

 

[Ads734]

Gringo stop downplaying Owens. Outside of Sinclair who is the best kick in the league no player has more impact around the ball. In saying that I still think Sheez deserves the award. Not Ashcroft though.

 

[Broski]

Can someone get past this pay wall

On the balcony outside the “Animal Enclosure” lunch room at Moorabbin, where the “Angels” coterie ladies help make lunches for St Kilda’s players and staff, Ross Lyon fires back the questions.
It’s his new fave coffee spot, as he watches training.

The environment is still “Cuddly Ross” despite the outside perception it’s the “Cult of Lyon”, but there’s no denying he’ll always be the “Curious Ross Lyon”.

So, when asked what’s changed in him from 10 years ago to now as a coach, he says: “Do you reckon I’d be sitting here having a coffee with you when training (was on)?’’, his arm sweeping across the swish Saints home ground.

“It’s good up here,’’ he says. “The Angels are great except I call them the assassins when we lose.’’

He laughed hard with that little zinger.

For a club that seemingly has the season’s walls closing in, and perhaps on the verge of crushing it, it is zinger central this day.

Ross Lyon sits down with Mark Robinson at Saints training. Picture: Jake Nowakowski
Undoubtedly, at 10 wins and eight losses and in sixth position, and having never been out of top eight all season, the assassins – friendly or not – are taking aim at the Saints.

On the outside, the popular opinion is the team is under-skilled, over-performed, the list is average, the game plan is boring, the coach and CEO are disaffected and the general morale is wavering.


“Morale? I said you mentioned that and I spoke to the coaches and they giggled,’’ Lyon said. “Corey Enright giggled.’’

Among the players?

“They’re better than OK,’’ he said. “Last week there was formal feedback given to all staff and they just said we’ve been unwavering on process, it’s been level, no wild swings, players who haven’t played all year said, ‘I know I’m not getting a game but I’ve never been happier’,

“I would think you can’t give the effort we’re giving if there’s a morale problem. It’s quite funny, really. Has anyone seen a lack of effort with us? You know, (Callum) Wilkie came to me after the Melbourne game or the Gold Coast game, and said you need to be harder on us.

“You know, the ladder never lies.’’

Briefly, Saints chief executive Simon Lethlean joins Lyon on the balcony.

Recent media speculation had the pair at loggerheads. They denied it. But the allegation remained despite the denial.

Truth is there was something there, but it was overhyped. Outgoing AFL boss Gillon McLachlan, who is mates with Lethlean and a fan of Lyon, described it as the pair “feeling each other out’’ in their new roles.

The fact is Lethlean is a footy CEO. He played 40-odd games for Hawthorn reserves. He played and coached in the Ammos, won flags as a player and coach in the Ammos, was head of footy at the AFL, was head of footy St Kilda and is now CEO.

Simon Lethlean as an Old Xaverian footballer in 2000 – front row, fourth from the right. On his right is new AFL CEO, Andrew Dillon.
Lyon is not a first-timer, however. In the past, the reality was it was his way or the highway. He’s more collaborative now, but at the same time he’d still prefer not to carpool.

The unease surfaced when plans and personnel Lethlean put in place as the footy boss were, in part, superseded by Lyon’s own wants and changes.

Two significant departures this year have been senior football analyst David Rath, head of high performance Nick Walsh and head of football Geoff Walsh.

The key signing was Lyon’s great mate Stephen Silvagni in recruiting and list management.

“Simon and I are in as good a space as we’ve been in,’’ Lyon said.

“There’s been some transition.

“It was a volatile change … for Brett (Ratten) and for the club. But it was based on a review and what came out of the review, and they decided to act. So, that’s not me.

“It wasn’t unlike the Thomas one (Grant Thomas sacking) but a bit different, but volatile. And the playing group has been incredibly embracing. But back to the original point. Simon was always going to be CEO, but he really constructed the football department structure and plan and he’s a great football person. His passion is footy. I came in as an experienced coach and clearly changed a bit of the program and there were some personnel changes and that’s going to happen.

“And Simon is very loyal which is a great attribute and I think it challenged him that some of his people went. I would acknowledge that and Simon would acknowledge that. In saying that, we haven’t had a raised word nor a heated meeting.

“It’s probably understanding that I’m not a junior coach and I probably require a little bit more space than when he (Lethlean) was GM of footy.

“It’s just been that transition.

“He’s committed to success and so am I.’’

Senior football analyst David Rath has departed the Saints. Picture: Michael Klein

Head of football Geoff Walsh departed the Saints earlier this year. He previously held a similar role at Collingwood. Picture: Michael Klein
Lethlean agreed and, this day, they were thoroughly at ease. More to the point, Lethlean said he was not going to Hawthorn to be its chief executive, as was also speculated.

“I’ve been waiting to be CEO for a while, so I’m here for the long haul,’’ Lethlean said.

“We’ve got plenty to do. No, I’ll be here for a long while.’’

Lyon wants to win this week (Hawthorn) and next (Carlton) and pave the way to play finals.

At the same time, he says he’s playing the “long game”, exploring the list and staff.

“In the past, if you try to make things happen too quickly you can burn people out,’’ Lyon said.

More evidence of a changed, matured coach?

“That’s all part of it, that’s why I feel I’m a better coach. Even on game day, I could get unhinged with the best of them. I haven’t been unhinged yet I wouldn’t have thought,” he said.

“I’m very respectful of what my role is and my role is to collaborate with my coaches.’’

They are current Australian Football Hall of Famers – Robert Harvey, Corey Enright and Lenny Hayes.

“I don’t think I’ve taken a session all year. I do this a lot (watch training). We plan out the session, we met yesterday, we check in, we lean in. I’ve not taken an X and O all year (offensive and defensive review). I ask, ‘What you’ve got?’ I say, ‘Yeah’. And then I might help shape it a little bit. I used to love getting up and doing all that and I don’t do any of that now.’’

First touted maybe 10-12 years ago that football programs were transforming from being led by a senior coach to a manager of coaches, it would seem it has been adopted at the Saints.

“We collaborate, co-ordinate and because the assistant coaches are so knowledgeable and experienced, and sometimes they are so respectful of each other, sometimes you have to pry out the other’s thoughts to help the other rather than just stay in your lane. That’s the collaboration piece,” Lyon said.

It’s apparent on game day.

At three-quarter-time last week against North Melbourne, down by 16 points and the walls closing in, collaboration was at the fore.

“All the coaches had input,’’ Lyon said. “(Rowan) Marshall forward, (Mitch) Owens into the ruck. Marshall was yeah, what does that mean for him? Who does that push where? I liked it.’’

Mitch Owens and Rowan Marshall compete for the ball against North Melbourne on the weekend. Picture: Darrian Traynor/Getty Images
Last-quarter rotations are automatic and sports science can pull apart any plan, but Lyon’s role is still the sheriff in that regard.

“I said, no, everything’s through me and Marshall is not coming off. Owens ain’t coming off. Sharman, who went to (Ben) McKay and that was a discussion with ‘Harves’, and sports science had him rotated and I said, no, he’s not coming off. That’s my bit, where I can exert over the top,” Lyon said.

The Saints are living desperate times. Starting with a 7-3 win-loss record, they have returned 3-5 since. Injuries have hurt them: Max King, Jack Steele, Zak Jones, Hunter Clark, Tim Membrey, Nick Coffield and Daniel McKenzie have missed large chunks of and in McKenzie’s case the whole season.

After the Gold Coast loss in round 18, Lyon lamented the team’s lack of performance. In a typically honest press conference, it was interpreted that Lyon said there was a talent depth issue at the club, which prompted media dissection of the Saints’ list.

“I didn’t say depth,’’ Lyon said.

“What I said was when our elite players are a little bit off, because there was no (Brad) Hill against Gold Coast and (Jack) Sinclair was down, that everyone needs to step up. And we weren’t able to do it.

“We were doing it earlier in the year because we were doing it without them (injured players).’’

So, it’s not a death issue?

“I didn’t say a depth issue,’’ he said, a fraction more spiritedly than the first time. “What I said was when we needed others to step up we haven’t quite been able to do that when it’s been required over the past few weeks. And on the weekend we did it. When it needed to get desperate, we got desperate, and we dominated the last quarter.

“Look, we’re finding out about our list. We want to build a great team. We think over a period of time, if it’s one year, two years, four years … I think we have the coaches, and the conditioners and facilities and the wherewithal off field … we’re thrilled.’’

Amid predictions from afar of a gloomy final five weeks, cuddly Ross still has splashes of street-fighter Ross.

Street-fighter Ross Lyon splashed out when talking about the depth on St Kilda’s list. Picture: Michael Klein.
“People at the start of the year who criticised us had us 15th,’’ he said.

“We’re sixth … the ladder never lies. And guess what? We’ve got five games to go.

“All I know is our season is alive. We’re in control. We know against perceived better teams our performances have been strong. We’re quite excited. And we’re getting our availability back. They might take a while to come to hand, but Jones has been important, Coffield has played one game, Membrey is back this week in the VFL, and we’re hoping King versus Carlton. We lose (Dougal) Howard. (Jack) Hayes, who everyone really rates, might play this week to help our kids in the front half.’’

It’s kids city in the Saints’ forward 50. Anthony Caminiti and Owens are both 19, Mattaes Phillipou is 18 and Sharman is 23. In the defensive 50, Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera and Marcus Windhager are both 20. There’s a snapshot of the “long game’’ play.

Wanganeen-Milera was homesick last year and is flourishing this season and Lyon thinks they’ve found a spot for Windhager on a back flank.

“Nasiah’s been a revelation,” Lyon said.

“Corey Enright said, ‘He’s not a winger, Ross, halfback is his spot’. I said, ‘Well, you’re the halfback whisperer, no worries. Of course I listened.’’

So, what’s attainable this year?

“That’s the $64,000 question,’’ Lyon said.

“When the season was on the line, we were very brave. You don’t fluke 5-1 coming off a pre-season when everyone is fit and available, that’s all I know.

“I think anyone who takes us for granted (over the coming weeks), well, good luck to them, that’s fine. We are backing ourselves in.’’

 

[jwikked]

Mitch is a stats mans dream, His numbers look incredible but you often don't see his impact as easily as the others. I just can't see him winning the RS when others have more eye catching games.

It does show exactly why we aren't throwing him straight into the guts though. His score involvements would be the most in the side by a long way and he's the only player that doesn't seem to lose the ball when it's kicked in their direction more than they win it.

Stats aside, I just love the effort he puts in. Not afraid of contact

 

[BucketsandBanger]

Why. I'd actually give it to him if I was on the committee. Easier to perform as a third tall or a 4th mid in a better side. Sheezel is the best player in the side a lot of the time in a terrible set up. Sure it's easier off HBF but Nick Daicos played most of his footy there and doubt anyone underrates his performance now.

Amiss has kicked more goals than Owens so you are going on his unseen stuff like contested ball stats.

Sheezel's getting stats that are measured against the best players in the comp not against Rising Stars. 26th in AFL for average possessions 15th for totals, 30 something for meters gained etc etc. He was a small to mid sized forward that could potentially play mid at the draft.

If he was playing at Collingwood or Essendon the hype would be deafening.

Will Ashcroft and Harry Sheezel AFL Stats Comparison

Will Ashcroft and Harry Sheezel AFL Stats Comparison.

www.footywire.com

Sheezel is a star and would be a worthy winner but he is not clearly ahead of Owens in terms of actual impact on games. In no way is it easier to do what Owens is doing to what Sheezel is doing. Contested possessions and score involvements in the forward line are absolute gold. Uncontested possessions as a running back or outside mid are far easier. Sheezel is racking up numbers because he is allowed to as their competition know it has no bearing on the result cause of how terrible they are. If clubs wanted to put work into him he would not be getting the numbers he is now. I think Sheezel will probably win but I hope King keeps his campaign for Mitchito going cause it will help. If Mitchito has a couple of games like the first Gold Coast game in the run home it could top in his favour.

 

[StFly]

Why. I'd actually give it to him if I was on the committee. Easier to perform as a third tall or a 4th mid in a better side. Sheezel is the best player in the side a lot of the time in a terrible set up. Sure it's easier off HBF but Nick Daicos played most of his footy there and doubt anyone underrates his performance now.

Amiss has kicked more goals than Owens so you are going on his unseen stuff like contested ball stats.

Sheezel's getting stats that are measured against the best players in the comp not against Rising Stars. 26th in AFL for average possessions 15th for totals, 30 something for meters gained etc etc. He was a small to mid sized forward that could potentially play mid at the draft.

If he was playing at Collingwood or Essendon the hype would be deafening.

Will Ashcroft and Harry Sheezel AFL Stats Comparison

Will Ashcroft and Harry Sheezel AFL Stats Comparison.

www.footywire.com

Easier to stand out in the shit club, look at Harvey for case in point as our only bonafide star once Plugger went to Sydney.

Ashcroft is essentially averaging 4 clearances a match 22 and kicking a goal every 2 games in a top 4 side that might very well win the flag, Sheezel is getting a little more ball a little more outside and showing up almost everyone else on Norths list as potato. Meanwhile, Owens is legit playing 3 positions as a genuine CHF, 2nd Ruck and midfielder, so whilst top 3 for sure, Ashcroft is sometimes leading that top 4 midfield to pants the lot of them for big dick energy to wrarant a guy that might get it 30 odd times and kick to Larkey and a bunch of GOP mid types.

He's not exactly a Gaz jnr kicking to have impact. Sheezel probably wins just on the basis that Ashcroft broke himself, but you want pure ready to go mid that can do whatever, you're going Ashcroft to build a midfield around.

 

[Jayman15]

Brad Hill on SEN The Run Home 28/7

 

[gringo2011]

Easier to stand out in the s**t club, look at Harvey for case in point as our only bonafide star once Plugger went to Sydney.

Ashcroft is essentially averaging 4 clearances a match 22 and kicking a goal every 2 games in a top 4 side that might very well win the flag, Sheezel is getting a little more ball a little more outside and showing up almost everyone else on Norths list as potato. Meanwhile, Owens is legit playing 3 positions as a genuine CHF, 2nd Ruck and midfielder, so whilst top 3 for sure, Ashcroft is sometimes leading that top 4 midfield to pants the lot of them for big dick energy to wrarant a guy that might get it 30 odd times and kick to Larkey and a bunch of GOP mid types.

He's not exactly a Gaz jnr kicking to have impact. Sheezel probably wins just on the basis that Ashcroft broke himself, but you want pure ready to go mid that can do whatever, you're going Ashcroft to build a midfield around.

Ashcroft looks alright, but I'd hardly say that you'd build a midfield around him. He looks like he'll be at least very good but Sheezel looks already top shelf of the AFL. If Sinclair had done what he's doing in his first year we'd have probably all freaked out and started believing in the footy god's great benevolence.

 

[gringo2011]

Sheezel is a star and would be a worthy winner but he is not clearly ahead of Owens in terms of actual impact on games. In no way is it easier to do what Owens is doing to what Sheezel is doing. Contested possessions and score involvements in the forward line are absolute gold. Uncontested possessions as a running back or outside mid are far easier. Sheezel is racking up numbers because he is allowed to as their competition know it has no bearing on the result cause of how terrible they are. If clubs wanted to put work into him he would not be getting the numbers he is now. I think Sheezel will probably win but I hope King keeps his campaign for Mitchito going cause it will help. If Mitchito has a couple of games like the first Gold Coast game in the run home it could top in his favour.

King and Hoine are probably the reason he's even in the conversation still. He's had 4 or 5 absolute stand out games and probably another 4 or 5 good ones. The thing that he stands out in is stats. His contested numbers are outstanding. That stuff isn't always the easiest to see with the naked eye. If you didn't have the stats sheet handy he's probably had 5 games where he would have had people stand up and take notice. Most of those awards including Brownlows are based on consistency as much as talent.


They are nice to get but Owens will be a gun regardless of an award. I'd be surprised if he wins it. Very good chance he's in the top 5 though. The good thing for us is contested ball winners are usually the absolute stars of the competition and if he keeps developing like he is and moves into a midfield role he's likely to be a top shelf talent.

 

[StFly]

Ashcroft looks alright, but I'd hardly say that you'd build a midfield around him. He looks like he'll be at least very good but Sheezel looks already top shelf of the AFL. If Sinclair had done what he's doing in his first year we'd have probably all freaked out and started believing in the footy god's great benevolence.

For me Sheezel has 2nd year blues all over him as clubs put work in.
Owens has that mode to just brute force it, same with Ashcroft, Sheezel needs someone else and otherwise is creme, slightly more forward NWM.

 

[sunny3193]

https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/mark-robinson-sits-down-with-st-kilda-coach-ross-lyon-on-player-morale-ceo-friction-rumours/news-story/92ba945b89ad0f76ffff3fdcf2a949d6

Welcome to St Kilda, where journalists write stories because we are an easy target.

You have completely misread what is going on.

 

[gringo2011]

For me Sheezel has 2nd year blues all over him as clubs put work in.
Owens has that mode to just brute force it, same with Ashcroft, Sheezel needs someone else and otherwise is creme, slightly more forward NWM.

Possible but he looks like he should win the RS in a canter to me. Owens will build up to be at a minimum a good solid mid forward who wins his own ball. I'm pretty confident that he's probably got more high end potential than just about any other player we have that said.

The reason the Champion Data flogs are getting all worked up is that those contested stats are usually linked to the absolute stars of AFL. You are talking about a guy who's stats look like Dusty and Bont types at the same age. At the moment they are more like when they said Sinclair was elite before he actually was, the stats are showings a glimpse into the future.

 

[sunny3193]

On the balcony outside the “Animal Enclosure” lunch room at Moorabbin, where the “Angels” coterie ladies help make lunches for St Kilda’s players and staff, Ross Lyon fires back the questions.
It’s his new fave coffee spot, as he watches training.

The environment is still “Cuddly Ross” despite the outside perception it’s the “Cult of Lyon”, but there’s no denying he’ll always be the “Curious Ross Lyon”.

So, when asked what’s changed in him from 10 years ago to now as a coach, he says: “Do you reckon I’d be sitting here having a coffee with you when training (was on)?’’, his arm sweeping across the swish Saints home ground.

“It’s good up here,’’ he says. “The Angels are great except I call them the assassins when we lose.’’

He laughed hard with that little zinger.

For a club that seemingly has the season’s walls closing in, and perhaps on the verge of crushing it, it is zinger central this day.

Ross Lyon sits down with Mark Robinson at Saints training. Picture: Jake Nowakowski
Undoubtedly, at 10 wins and eight losses and in sixth position, and having never been out of top eight all season, the assassins – friendly or not – are taking aim at the Saints.

On the outside, the popular opinion is the team is under-skilled, over-performed, the list is average, the game plan is boring, the coach and CEO are disaffected and the general morale is wavering.


“Morale? I said you mentioned that and I spoke to the coaches and they giggled,’’ Lyon said. “Corey Enright giggled.’’

Among the players?

“They’re better than OK,’’ he said. “Last week there was formal feedback given to all staff and they just said we’ve been unwavering on process, it’s been level, no wild swings, players who haven’t played all year said, ‘I know I’m not getting a game but I’ve never been happier’,

“I would think you can’t give the effort we’re giving if there’s a morale problem. It’s quite funny, really. Has anyone seen a lack of effort with us? You know, (Callum) Wilkie came to me after the Melbourne game or the Gold Coast game, and said you need to be harder on us.

“You know, the ladder never lies.’’

Briefly, Saints chief executive Simon Lethlean joins Lyon on the balcony.

Recent media speculation had the pair at loggerheads. They denied it. But the allegation remained despite the denial.

Truth is there was something there, but it was overhyped. Outgoing AFL boss Gillon McLachlan, who is mates with Lethlean and a fan of Lyon, described it as the pair “feeling each other out’’ in their new roles.

The fact is Lethlean is a footy CEO. He played 40-odd games for Hawthorn reserves. He played and coached in the Ammos, won flags as a player and coach in the Ammos, was head of footy at the AFL, was head of footy St Kilda and is now CEO.

Simon Lethlean as an Old Xaverian footballer in 2000 – front row, fourth from the right. On his right is new AFL CEO, Andrew Dillon.
Lyon is not a first-timer, however. In the past, the reality was it was his way or the highway. He’s more collaborative now, but at the same time he’d still prefer not to carpool.

The unease surfaced when plans and personnel Lethlean put in place as the footy boss were, in part, superseded by Lyon’s own wants and changes.

Two significant departures this year have been senior football analyst David Rath, head of high performance Nick Walsh and head of football Geoff Walsh.

The key signing was Lyon’s great mate Stephen Silvagni in recruiting and list management.

“Simon and I are in as good a space as we’ve been in,’’ Lyon said.

“There’s been some transition.

“It was a volatile change … for Brett (Ratten) and for the club. But it was based on a review and what came out of the review, and they decided to act. So, that’s not me.

“It wasn’t unlike the Thomas one (Grant Thomas sacking) but a bit different, but volatile. And the playing group has been incredibly embracing. But back to the original point. Simon was always going to be CEO, but he really constructed the football department structure and plan and he’s a great football person. His passion is footy. I came in as an experienced coach and clearly changed a bit of the program and there were some personnel changes and that’s going to happen.

“And Simon is very loyal which is a great attribute and I think it challenged him that some of his people went. I would acknowledge that and Simon would acknowledge that. In saying that, we haven’t had a raised word nor a heated meeting.

“It’s probably understanding that I’m not a junior coach and I probably require a little bit more space than when he (Lethlean) was GM of footy.

“It’s just been that transition.

“He’s committed to success and so am I.’’

Senior football analyst David Rath has departed the Saints. Picture: Michael Klein

Head of football Geoff Walsh departed the Saints earlier this year. He previously held a similar role at Collingwood. Picture: Michael Klein
Lethlean agreed and, this day, they were thoroughly at ease. More to the point, Lethlean said he was not going to Hawthorn to be its chief executive, as was also speculated.

“I’ve been waiting to be CEO for a while, so I’m here for the long haul,’’ Lethlean said.

“We’ve got plenty to do. No, I’ll be here for a long while.’’

Lyon wants to win this week (Hawthorn) and next (Carlton) and pave the way to play finals.

At the same time, he says he’s playing the “long game”, exploring the list and staff.

“In the past, if you try to make things happen too quickly you can burn people out,’’ Lyon said.

More evidence of a changed, matured coach?

“That’s all part of it, that’s why I feel I’m a better coach. Even on game day, I could get unhinged with the best of them. I haven’t been unhinged yet I wouldn’t have thought,” he said.

“I’m very respectful of what my role is and my role is to collaborate with my coaches.’’

They are current Australian Football Hall of Famers – Robert Harvey, Corey Enright and Lenny Hayes.

“I don’t think I’ve taken a session all year. I do this a lot (watch training). We plan out the session, we met yesterday, we check in, we lean in. I’ve not taken an X and O all year (offensive and defensive review). I ask, ‘What you’ve got?’ I say, ‘Yeah’. And then I might help shape it a little bit. I used to love getting up and doing all that and I don’t do any of that now.’’

First touted maybe 10-12 years ago that football programs were transforming from being led by a senior coach to a manager of coaches, it would seem it has been adopted at the Saints.

“We collaborate, co-ordinate and because the assistant coaches are so knowledgeable and experienced, and sometimes they are so respectful of each other, sometimes you have to pry out the other’s thoughts to help the other rather than just stay in your lane. That’s the collaboration piece,” Lyon said.

It’s apparent on game day.

At three-quarter-time last week against North Melbourne, down by 16 points and the walls closing in, collaboration was at the fore.

“All the coaches had input,’’ Lyon said. “(Rowan) Marshall forward, (Mitch) Owens into the ruck. Marshall was yeah, what does that mean for him? Who does that push where? I liked it.’’

Mitch Owens and Rowan Marshall compete for the ball against North Melbourne on the weekend. Picture: Darrian Traynor/Getty Images
Last-quarter rotations are automatic and sports science can pull apart any plan, but Lyon’s role is still the sheriff in that regard.

“I said, no, everything’s through me and Marshall is not coming off. Owens ain’t coming off. Sharman, who went to (Ben) McKay and that was a discussion with ‘Harves’, and sports science had him rotated and I said, no, he’s not coming off. That’s my bit, where I can exert over the top,” Lyon said.

The Saints are living desperate times. Starting with a 7-3 win-loss record, they have returned 3-5 since. Injuries have hurt them: Max King, Jack Steele, Zak Jones, Hunter Clark, Tim Membrey, Nick Coffield and Daniel McKenzie have missed large chunks of and in McKenzie’s case the whole season.

After the Gold Coast loss in round 18, Lyon lamented the team’s lack of performance. In a typically honest press conference, it was interpreted that Lyon said there was a talent depth issue at the club, which prompted media dissection of the Saints’ list.

“I didn’t say depth,’’ Lyon said.

“What I said was when our elite players are a little bit off, because there was no (Brad) Hill against Gold Coast and (Jack) Sinclair was down, that everyone needs to step up. And we weren’t able to do it.

“We were doing it earlier in the year because we were doing it without them (injured players).’’

So, it’s not a death issue?

“I didn’t say a depth issue,’’ he said, a fraction more spiritedly than the first time. “What I said was when we needed others to step up we haven’t quite been able to do that when it’s been required over the past few weeks. And on the weekend we did it. When it needed to get desperate, we got desperate, and we dominated the last quarter.

“Look, we’re finding out about our list. We want to build a great team. We think over a period of time, if it’s one year, two years, four years … I think we have the coaches, and the conditioners and facilities and the wherewithal off field … we’re thrilled.’’

Amid predictions from afar of a gloomy final five weeks, cuddly Ross still has splashes of street-fighter Ross.

Street-fighter Ross Lyon splashed out when talking about the depth on St Kilda’s list. Picture: Michael Klein.
“People at the start of the year who criticised us had us 15th,’’ he said.

“We’re sixth … the ladder never lies. And guess what? We’ve got five games to go.

“All I know is our season is alive. We’re in control. We know against perceived better teams our performances have been strong. We’re quite excited. And we’re getting our availability back. They might take a while to come to hand, but Jones has been important, Coffield has played one game, Membrey is back this week in the VFL, and we’re hoping King versus Carlton. We lose (Dougal) Howard. (Jack) Hayes, who everyone really rates, might play this week to help our kids in the front half.’’

It’s kids city in the Saints’ forward 50. Anthony Caminiti and Owens are both 19, Mattaes Phillipou is 18 and Sharman is 23. In the defensive 50, Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera and Marcus Windhager are both 20. There’s a snapshot of the “long game’’ play.

Wanganeen-Milera was homesick last year and is flourishing this season and Lyon thinks they’ve found a spot for Windhager on a back flank.

“Nasiah’s been a revelation,” Lyon said.

“Corey Enright said, ‘He’s not a winger, Ross, halfback is his spot’. I said, ‘Well, you’re the halfback whisperer, no worries. Of course I listened.’’

So, what’s attainable this year?

“That’s the $64,000 question,’’ Lyon said.

“When the season was on the line, we were very brave. You don’t fluke 5-1 coming off a pre-season when everyone is fit and available, that’s all I know.

“I think anyone who takes us for granted (over the coming weeks), well, good luck to them, that’s fine. We are backing ourselves in.’’

When I read the article in the Hun this morning, I had to tip my lid to the Club.
Rule #1 in public relations is to tell your story and control the narrative.
What better way to address a prior story full of inference and insinuation from our good friend Caro, than to have a double page spread in the big readership Saturday Hun from her primary media “rival”. One that gives opportunity to rebut her unattributed and unmerited claims. Make no mistake, apart from the football angle, this story was clearly a shot at her.

 

[George]

You have completely misread what is going on.

He does it quite often, just white noise now