Lyon to coach for his future

ROSS Lyon has pledged his commitment to Fremantle’s powerbrokers despite knowing he will have to coach for his future beyond 2020.

St Kilda’s coaching vacancy has raised suggestions of a sensational Lyon return to the Saints, despite repeated statements of his commitment to Fremantle.

But it has now been confirmed that Lyon will have to coach for his survival at the Dockers next year, aware there is little prospect Fremantle will hand him an early extension.

It will heap significant pressure on him and the club, but after regular talks about the future of the list and its rebuild all parties are comfortable with that position.

Lyon’s contract is about $1 million a season, so there is no prospect of an amicable parting unless he can find a new senior position.

Lyon was one of St Kilda’s most successful coaches despite not winning an elusive premiership.

But he was seen to have left the list in a parlous state.

He still has the backing of former players and club figures, with the Saints board to meet this week as it continues its coach search.

The Saints have moved quickly after sacking Alan Richardson, set to unveil a coaching selection panel that will include president Andrew Bassat, CEO Matt Finnis, footy boss Simon Lethlean and at least one former AFL player.

Club legend Nick Riewoldt has also been sounded out to join the panel. Lyon made clear last week he was flattered being linked to St Kilda by Riewoldt and Nick Dal Santo but was happy to stay at Fremantle.

“At the end of the day, they’re in the media. Certainly they’re personal friends, they’ve been professional colleagues,” Lyon said.

“But I’m fully committed to Fremantle. I’ve loved my time here. We’ve had some wonderful highs, we’re rebuilding. We’re four years in, or threeand-a-half years in, there’s been some really good signs.”

Player managers continue to be frustrated by aspects of Fremantle’s fitness program and lengthy injury list.

The club is adamant it is giving its players the best possible care, saying Jesse Hogan’s navicular fracture was hard to diagnose after it initially seemed to be a mid-foot sprain.

Harley Bennell will likely have surgery in Brisbane this week on his troublesome calf.