Ross Lyon has privately and publicly committed to Freo despite links back to St Kilda

Ross Lyon remains the centre of coaching speculation and with Nick Riewoldt considering joining St Kilda’s coaching subcommittee, the questions linger. But it will take something extraordinary for Lyon to ditch the Dockers.

Ross Lyon has pledged his future to Fremantle’s powerbrokers despite knowing he will have to coach for his future past 2020 without a summer extension.

St Kilda’s coaching vacancy has seen Lyon linked to a sensational return to the club, despite his repeated statements he was committed at Fremantle.

The Herald Sun has confirmed that Lyon will have to coach for his survival at the Dockers next year, aware there is no prospect Fremantle will hand him an early extension.

It will heap significant pressure on him and the club but after regular talks about the future of the list and its rebuild all parties are comfortable with that position.

Lyon’s contract is around $1 million a season, so there is no prospective of an “amicable parting” unless he can find a new senior position because it would put him out of pocket.

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Lyon was one of St Kilda’s most successful coaches despite that elusive premiership but was seen to leave the list in a parlous state.

He still has the backing of former players and club figures, with the Saints board to meet this week as it continues it coaching search.

The Saints have moved quickly after sacking Alan Richardson, set to unveil a coaching selection panel which will include president Andrew Bassatt, CEO Matt Finnis, footy boss Simon Lethlean and at least one former AFL player.

Club legend Nick Riewoldt has also been sounded out to be on the panel.

Ross Lyon with his former captain Nick Riewoldt.

Lyon: “I’m fully committed to Fremantle.” Pic: AAP

Lyon made clear last week he was flattered by links to St Kilda from Riewoldt and Nick Dal Santo but happy at Fremantle.

“At the end of the day, they’re in the media. Certainly they’re personal friends, they’ve been professional colleagues,” Lyon said.

“But I’m fully committed to Fremantle. I’ve loved my time here. We’ve had some wonderful highs, we’re rebuilding. We’re four years in, or three and a half years in, there’s been some really good signs.

Player managers continue to be frustrated by some aspects of the club’s fitness program amid a lengthy injury list.

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The club is adamant it is giving its players the best possible care, saying Jesse Hogan’s navicular fracture was a difficult injury to diagnose after it initially believed it was a mid-foot sprain.

Harley Bennell will likely have surgery in Brisbane on his troublesome calf this week, hopeful it can provide the breakthrough that releases pressure in the muscle.

He would then hope to find a club that will allow him to train over summer before pushing for a rookie spot.

Brad Hill will officially ask for a trade given his partner’s determination to move home to Melbourne and Ed Langdon will likely to end up at the Melbourne football club.

But Langdon and Lyon have an exceptionally strong relationship and he will come home to be closer to family.