LYONS’ ROAR IS A LOT LOUDER
JARRYD Lyons labelled it the best performance of his career.
Suns co-captain Steven May joked about overshadowing Gary Ablett in what was their 100th and 300th games respectively on Saturday against North Melbourne but it was the mammoth influence of Lyons that actually did it.
Lyons has been building throughout the season and hit his highest point against the Kangaroos that delivered not only career-best numbers but a performance he rated better than any other in his six-year career at Adelaide and the Gold Coast.
The 24-year-old had 39 disposals, nine more than his previous best in an effort that included 23 contested possessions.
Lyons also recorded 10 clearances, delivered seven inside 50m and six tackles to help lift the Suns to an important win that has kept their slim hopes of making the finals alive.
“It was probably my best game for the club and the career,” Lyons said. “That’s a cherry on top of getting the win for the team and Gaz.
“It was just one of those games where the ball managed to fall into my hands every time.
“I have been working pretty hard. I was a bit disappointed with my first half of the season so I have been pushing myself to get better and it’s nice to get a reward like that.
“I’m not about the touches, I’m just about the four points and that is terrific.“
When the Suns lured the midfielder to Queensland at the end of last year they knew he would become a key cog in their make-up.
Lyons was in the age bracket Gold Coast coach Rodney Eade was after, had experience in finals and is yet to hit his peak.
The former Crow started the season slowly after having some achilles problems but is now averaging a career-high 26.43 disposals a game.
Lyons said he had seen substantial growth from the side in his first year and the win on Saturday showed the resilience that has been building.
“It shows as a group that we are maturing and that is the biggest part that I take out of that win,” Lyons said.
“We let them get back in too much ... but in previous years we may have rolled over. It just shows how far we have come to hold off a team like North who did the same thing last week.”