The Saints denied on Sunday that a deal had been finalised, but sources with knowledge of the discussions said the two parties had been working towards a three-year contract. | Pierik_AgeSport
In the hot seats: St Kilda chief executive Simon Lethlean and president Andrew Bassat have been active in their pursuit of Ross Lyon.Lyon led the Saints into grand finals in 2009 and 2010, falling agonisingly short against Geelong in ’09 and in the initial clash against Collingwood in ’10, before the Saints were crunched in the replay. He also guided the Dockers into the 2013 grand final against Hawthorn.Lyon is known for his demanding ways, both on players and his assistant coaches.
Geoff Walsh, a long-time club administrator, particularly at North Melbourne and Collingwood, was recently appointed the head of football, to add a no-nonsense dimension. He has also been involved in the Lyon pursuit.A former Fitzroy player, Lyon’s coaching bedrock was his defensive philosophy, and he will tighten the Saints in this area.
Lyon’s expected appointment has the backing of former club stars whom he coached, including Ross Lyon, Brendon Goddard and Leigh Montagna. Jason Blake, another former player, now sits on the board.“I’m keen. My heart’s been opened up to St Kilda through Andrew [Bassat] and Simon [Lethlean] and their board,” Lyon told Nine News last week.
“I don’t like the narrative around St Kilda. Maybe it’s deserved, but I think sometimes it’s a bit disrespectful. Hopefully, it can get to a point where I’m able to roll up the sleeves and help get in and change that.”, since he left the Dockers.