Garry Lyon seeking treatment for ‘personal demons’ after friendship-ending feud with Bill Brownless

GARRY Lyon is seeking out specialist treatment after standing down from his TV commitments amid a friendship-ending feud with Bill Brownless.

Melbourne v Western Bulldogs. MCG. Garry Lyon watches the Jim Stynes tribute video from the boundary.

GARRY Lyon is seeking out specialist treatment over his personal demons.

The Herald Sun understands the embattled Footy Show host is set to undertake a program to deal with his depression and other personal issues.

Friends close to the former Melbourne Football Club captain say Lyon has “hit rock bottom”.

It is not known if Lyon will begin treatment interstate or overseas.

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The high-profile commentator​ is understood to be reeling since Channel 9 issued a statement saying he was standing down from the Footy Show and the Footy Classified panel while he seeks treatment for mental health issues.

Garry Lyon is said to be supported by his family.

Former AFL Footy Show starts Billy Brownless, Sam Newman, Garry Lyon and James Brayshaw.

Lyon’s downward spiral is believed to have worsened when mate and colleague of more than twenty years Billy Brownless confronted him about a relationship with his estranged wife Nicky Brownless during the summer break.

Many within the AFL world say Lyon and Brownless have reached the point of no return.

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Manager Craig Kelly refused to comment last night when asked if Lyon was leaving Melbourne yesterday to undergo treatment, telling the Herald Sun he was not “talking about any of it”.

Kelly, who is also manager to Brownless, said Lyon’s mental wellbeing was a serious issue.

“Garry’s mental illness is serious and complex and has been ongoing for some time,” Kelly said in a statement this week.

“He continues to receive medical treatment and, as anyone who has dealt with mental illness personally, or as a support, would understand it is a long process and often a day-by-day prospect.”

Billy Brownless near his home in Geelong. Picture: Jason Edwards

Nicky Brownless leaves her home Geelong. Picture: Tony Gough

Channel 9 said last night they had nothing further to say other than Lyon’s health was a deeply personal matter.

The station has rallied behind the network star, saying he is part of the Nine “family” as he deals with his ongoing issues.

Footy Show veteran Sam Newman told 3AW it was a “given” Lyon would return to the Nine AFL show after he recovers.

Lyon is certainly not the first sports star to seek help for personal issues.

In 2014 Olympic gold medallist Grant Hackett left Australia for the US to seek rehabilitation, battling with mental health issues and an addiction to Stilnox.

Fallen AFL footballer Ben Cousins jetted to Los Angeles in 2007 to seek treatment at Malibu’s exclusive Summit drug rehabilitation centre.

Earlier this week beyondblue chief executive Georgie Harman declined to speak about the specifics of guilt on mental health​, but said Lyon deserved privacy.

“We wish Garry Lyon a speedy recovery,” she said.

For help or information call Lifeline on 131114 or visit beyondblue.org.au