AFL Daily: Ross Lyon knew the axe was going to fall, but not this season
Ross Lyon respects but doesn't agree with Fremantle's decision to sack him but he had a feeling a contract extension was never going to be forthcoming. RECAP THE DAY'S NEWS
Axed Fremantle coach Ross Lyon could sense he wouldn’t earn a contract extension beyond 2020 - but he was surprised to be fired this year.
Lyon was called into a meeting on Tuesday morning to be told his services were no longer required, despite having a year remaining on his contract.
Chief executive Steve Rosich, who was influential in recruiting Lyon to Fremantle at the end of 2011, was also axed.
Lyon was gracious on Tuesday afternoon when he fronted the media, heaping praise on Fremantle as a club, and also thanking the fans and players for their support over the years.
But he couldn’t help but feel a tad robbed that he wouldn’t have the opportunity to see out the final season of his four-year rebuild.
“There’s always that pang. I was strong enough and tough enough to go through next year, and squarely focused,” Lyon said.
“We beat Geelong with eight of our best 16 (players) out. That’s probably why I don’t agree with the decision (to axe me), but I certainly respect the decision.
“There was no way the club would extend me, I wouldn’t have thought, beyond 2020. The noise around that was a lot for them, and they wanted some clean air.
“I don’t agree with it, but I certainly respect it, and I wish them all the best.
“The Dockers will always hold a special place in my heart. I just want to make that clear - the Dockers have been unbelievable.”
Ross Lyon speaking to the media after he was sacked as Dockers coach. Picture: AAP
Lyon has spent the past 13 years as a senior coach, with seven of those at Fremantle.
But he was non-committal when asked if he wanted to coach again. Either way, it seems highly unlikely he will find somewhere to coach in 2020.
“I’ve been really privileged. I love the game. I’ve loved coaching. It will be a fresh of breath air for me (now),” Lyon said.
“I’ve already enrolled at Harvard last week - behavioural economics, the psychology of decision making. I want to keep stretching myself and growing. I feel I’ve matured.
“It’s a short ride. We’re not here forever.
“If I can keep improving, I’ve got something to offer somewhere. But I need to go gather myself.
“I’ve got three young kids. They’re 13 and below, so they’re a little bit rattled at the minute. I’ll wrap some support around them.”
Lyon encouraged players to think about joining Fremantle, declaring the “flags will come”.
The 52-year-old led Fremantle to the 2013 Grand Final, and took St Kilda to the decider in 2009 and 2010.
All of those resulted in losses - apart from the drawn Grand Final with Collingwood in 2010, after which St Kilda lost the replay.
“Yeah, we all want to win flags. That’s how we want to define ourselves,” Lyon said.
“But obviously, at this point, it hasn’t occurred.”
Updates
Who will be Freo's next coach?
Chris Vernuccio
Sportsbet has installed former Fremantle forward Justin Longmuir to be the club's next coach.
The Collingwood assistant coach played 121 games at Dockers, and also had a stint at West Coast as a forwards coach.
Ex-North Melbourne coach is on the second line of betting.
NEXT PERMANENT FREMANTLE COACH MARKET
Justin Longmuir: 1.70
Brad Scott: 3.00
David Hale: 5.00
Michael Voss: 5.50
Michael Prior: 8.00
Brett Ratten: 11.00
Peter Sumich: 13.00
John Worsfold: 15.00
Marc Webb: 15.00
Adam Kingsley: 17.00
Alastair Clarkson: 17.00
Blake Caracella: 17.00
Robert Harvey: 17.00
Retiring Lewis throws support behind Goodwin
Chris Vernuccio
A fierce competitor to the end, Jordan Lewis has launched a strident defence of his under-pressure coach after confirming his retirement.
The four-time premiership winner will play his 319th and final game when Melbourne face North Melbourne at Hobart’s Blundstone Arena on Saturday afternoon.
Along with fellow star Sam Mitchell, Lewis won four flags with the Hawks before being moved on by coach Alastair Clarkson in 2016.
Lewis has managed just 11 appearances in his 15th and final season, having missed the first month with a hamstring injury then been dropped to the VFL.
His final run of senior games have coincided with Melbourne playing terrible football, plummeting to 17th on the ladder and prompting club great David Schwarz to suggest coach Simon Goodwin was close to losing his players.
Flanked by both Goodwin and Clarkson at the MCG on Tuesday, Lewis said that could not further be from the truth.
“He has got closer to the players in a period where probably historically, coaches have been divided. And it’s a credit to him,” the 33-year-old said.
“It’s been a tough year for everyone but I can honestly say his relationship with the players is closer than people can imagine.”
Lewis informed teammates of his decision after speculation he was planning to follow his great mate from his Hawthorn days, Jarryd Roughead, into retirement.
Goodwin said Lewis had known this would likely be his last season and had played a selfless role in challenging circumstances.
“He played every position on the ground except for ruck,” Goodwin said.
“He went into our midfield group when we weren’t functioningthere and got them to really buy into the team.
“He went into our forward line to help shape them …. he’s been an on-field leader and coach for us this season.”
Renowned for his hardness and aggression, Lewis was an All-Australian in 2014 and also won the Hawks’ best and fairest award.
It was a dream season for Lewis, with the Hawks in the middle of their 2013-15 premiership three-peat.
Lewis also played in the 2008 team that upset Geelong in the grand final.
– AAP
Ross Lyon has concluded his press conference: "Thank you and goodbye for now".
Chris Vernuccio
Ross Lyon has concluded his press conference: "Thank you and goodbye for now".
Chris Vernuccio
Lyon: I never asked for an extension, I never thought it was pertinent.
Chris Vernuccio
Lyon: I would have been strong enough and tough enough to go through next year. There's always that pain but it's a tough, brutal game.
Chris Vernuccio
Lyon: The ride is worth the fall, it's an amazing ride. I don't take it personally, there's always different opinions and agendas.
Chris Vernuccio
Lyon: There was a lot of pressure for the club and I certainly understand that.
Chris Vernuccio
Lyon: I've been really privileged, i love the game, it will be a breath of fresh air for me … the club, I wish them all the best, I will watch with interest.
Chris Vernuccio
Lyon: They're a special group, a lot of the reached. They're a big club, the flags will come.
It’s a strange statement to attach to the co-captain of a bottom-four club, but Oscar Allen needs the struggling Eagles more than they need him, writes ELIZA REILLY.
He has been touted as a breakout contender for Port Adelaide and is unsigned beyond this year. But for now this Power youngster’s focus is on playing regularly, not a new deal.
