Cats are eager to recruit master tactician Lyon
GEELONG has sounded out former St Kilda and Fremantle coach Ross Lyon about a coaching role for next season.
Lyon has spoken with Geelong coach Chris Scott about assisting in a strategy or coaching director position for 2022.
Lyon, who was the frontrunner for the Carlton job until he pulled out of the race, is considered one of the sharpest tactical minds in the game, and could help mentor the Cats’ assistant coaches.
The Cats are interested in Lyon joining forces with Scott, rather than replacing him. Lyon, who coached the Saints and Dockers to four AFL grand finals, could also help shape the Cats’ game plan as they look to stay in the premiership hunt next year.
The 54-year-old is understood to be keen to stay in property — he works for Wizel Property Group — and the media next year, but the Cats have tried to change his mind.
It would be a major coup for the Cats if they secured Lyon, but it remains unclear if the former St Kilda and Dockers boss wants to return to coaching after a two-year break.
Geelong CEO Steve Hocking and Scott may try to talk to Lyon face-to-face once Covid-19 protocols permit.
Geelong faces a challenge to remain in the top four next season with a new-look coaches’ box, after it bowed out in a preliminary final thrashing from Melbourne.
The Cats are expected to resign Scott for two more years and want to provide the best possible support around him after three key departures.
Assistants Matthew Scarlett stepped away from the game, Corey Enright accepted a job at St Kilda, and Matthew Knights crossed to West Coast.
Cats great James Kelly and champion Eddie Betts have accepted roles at Geelong, while former Bomber Dean Solomon has been linked to the club.