Garry Lyon’s TV return: Star tells friends he’s ready for next year, but station not certain

GARRY Lyon has told friends he is ready to make a return to television next year, but — given the difficulties of him working with Billy Brownless — his future TV home is not certain.

Garry Lyon and Billy Brownless in 2009.

GARRY Lyon has told friends he is ready to make a return to television next year.

Lyon is understood to have made significant steps in his battle with mental health ­issues. But his future TV home is less certain, given the difficulties of him working with Bill Brownless after the breakdown of their friendship.

A shock move to Channel Seven is not out of play, with his name thrown up to senior management as the network considers next year’s footy team. Lyon has battled depression this year, revealed when news broke he had begun a ­relationship with Brownless’s wife Nicky.

Billy Brownless with wife Nicky and TV presenter Gary Lyon in 2007.

The former Melbourne captain would face challenges being integrated back into The Footy Show given Brownless remains a regular.

The Nine network believes he can find a way to return in some capacity, but has time to decide exactly what that role will be.

Nine refused to comment yesterday on Lyon’s progress or his role at the network next year. The Herald Sun understands he is contracted for 2017.

Industry figures have speculated he might make the switch to Seven in a pure football analysis role under its new TV rights deal.

Seven, which must replace retiring commentary doyen Dennis Cometti, has been made aware Lyon might become available for a football role next year. Seven yesterday said it had made no deal with Lyon and was adamant no decisions had been made on next year’s programs.

The network will consider who will replace Cometti on Friday nights next year after their Olympics commitments.

Old friends: Garry Lyon and Billy Brownless. Picture: Regina Karon

Seven could also tinker with the make-up of its special comments men, with Wayne Carey having taken a greater role on Friday nights this year.

Nine has replaced Lyon as The Footy Show co-host with Rebecca Maddern, who has drawn acclaim for stepping into a difficult role.

It would be impossible for her to be replaced next year, with co-host James Brayshaw also seen as safe as a host given the popularity of the show.

Lyon might also face a challenge in re-establishing himself as Footy Classified host given the off-field nature of their topics.

Industry sources believe Lyon will eventually be able to rehabilitate his public reputation in the same manner Carey has after numerous public missteps.

Lyon remains one of the best special comments men in radio and would benefit from a role that saw him concentrate on the on-field action.

He has been the centrepiece of Triple M’s football coverage, with the station trying to ward off a challenge for its radio rights for next year from rival Gold FM.

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