Ross Lyon says sexual harassment allegations are ‘as challenging as anything I’ve experienced in my life’

FREMANTLE coach Ross Lyon has described the sexual harassment allegations that surround his club as equal to the most challenging thing he has gone through in his life.

Under siege Fremantle coach Ross Lyon. Picture: Getty Images

FREMANTLE coach Ross Lyon has described the sexual harassment allegations that surround his club as equal to the most challenging thing he has gone through in his life.

Speaking before the Dockers’ clash with St Kilda on Saturday night, Lyon compared his level of stress to that of when his mother and sister passed away.

“(It’s been) an incredibly challenging time. As challenging as anything I’ve experienced in my life, clearly,” he said.

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“There’s (been) things on a personal front with my mother passing away and sister and those sorts of things.

“In a professional level, with my family, it has been incredibly difficult and challenging.”

Despite growing pressure, Lyon and the Dockers remain defiant that he will remain head coach of the club.

This week the Herald Sun revealed Fremantle had referred a second complaint against Lyon to the AFL’s integrity unit about an alleged altercation involving the club’s senior coach at a bar in Fremantle some years ago.

Fremantle said on Friday the male person advised the club he would not be taking any action over the allegation, and the AFL confirmed it was not investigating any further complaint.

Ross Lyon speaking to the media on Friday. Picture: Getty Images

Lyon said he hoped he could call on some of the respect he had built up over his 22 years in the AFL industry.

He also encouraged anyone who feels like they have been unfairly treated to speak up.

“It saddens me that my club has been caught up in this and myself,” Lyon said on Channel 7.

“You know, there is a lot of feeling for a lot of people that have been swept up in this. We are working our way through it, at all times, with great respect where it needs to be given.

“For 22 years I have worked incredibly hard to advance in the system and earn respect. I am working hard to maintain that.

“Over 22 years there is a lot of moments in there and a lot of good moments that you really want to own.

“You are only as good as your next moment. I need to work through that.

“We want everyone to have positive experiences. If you don’t, there are legitimate avenues to go through that should protect you and if not, the relevant authorities. We encourage that.”

Lyon, 51, thanked those close to him for their support throughout the controversy.

“I have had incredible support from my club and my family and my players. That’s been uplifting in a sense but I still need to deliver going forward,” he said.

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