AFL 2021: Geelong sounds out Ross Lyon for coaching role

Geelong will have a new look coaches box next season with one key figure in their sights. Will tactical masterminds Chris Scott and Ross Lyon be teaming up in 2022?

Ross Lyon, Senior Coach of the Dockers looks on during the Round 20 AFL match between the Fremantle Dockers and the Geelong Cats at Optus Stadium in Perth, Saturday, August 3, 2019. (AAP Image/Gary Day) NO ARCHIVING, EDITORIAL USE ONLY

Geelong has sounded out former Fremantle and St Kilda coach Ross Lyon for a coaching role for next season.

News Corp understands Lyon has spoken with Geelong coach Chris Scott about assisting in a strategy or coaching director role for 2022.

Lyon, who was the frontrunner for the Carlton job until he pulled out, 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.

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Ross Lyon has been sounded out by Geelong. Picture: AAP Image/Julian Smith

Lyon, 54, is understood to be keen to stay in property (he works for Wizel Property Group) and the football media next year, but the Cats have made an attempt to change his mind.

It would be a considerable coup for the Cats if they were able to secure Lyon, but it remains unclear if the former St Kilda and Dockers’ boss wants to return to coaching after a two-year break.

New Geelong CEO Steve Hocking and Scott may attempt to talk to Lyon face to face once Covid-19 protocols permit.

Geelong faces a significant challenge trying 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 re-sign Scott for two more years and want to provide the best possible support around him after three key departures at the end of the season.

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 small forward Eddie Betts have accepted roles at the Cats, while former Bomber Dean Solomon has also been linked to the club.

The Cats will again attempt to defy the critics and contend for a top-four berth with the oldest list in the competition in 2022.

In particular, the Cats’ game plan will be a significant point of intrigue next season amid calls for Scott to play a more offensive brand next year.

Geelong added Hawthorn veteran Jon Ceglar in the exchange period and are also set to enlist former Adelaide and Richmond livewire Tyson Stengle to add another weapon to the forward line.

Lyon put his hand up for the Blues’ senior coaching job late in the 2021 season and spoke to Carlton president Luke Sayers and new Blues’ director Greg Williams at length about replacing David Teague.

However, Lyon pulled out shortly after, as Carlton opted for Michael Voss and new assistant coaches Ash Hansen, Aaron Hamill and Tim Clarke.

New Geelong chief executive Steve Hocking is a big fan of Lyon, while Scott and Lyon are also friends and have remained in contact in recent years.

Together, Scott and Lyon were assistant coaches to head coach Alastair Clarkson on the 2014 International Rules Series between Australia and Ireland.

Geelong list boss Stephen Wells said on Wednesday the Cats were gunning for a top spot again next year after making 12 preliminary finals and two semi-finals since 2004.

“Nothing is sneaking up on us, we know that we have got a list profile that seems to get discussed a lot,” Wells said.

“The main thing we are concerning ourselves with is trying to give ourselves the chance of some ultimate success.

“Everyone at the club is very confident we have got an opportunity to improve for next year on what we did this year.

“We will be approaching preseason and next season with a lot of confidence.”

Originally published as AFL 2021: Geelong sounds out Ross Lyon for coaching role