AFL: Former Fremantle and St Kilda coach Ross Lyon doesn’t want Essendon job

The field for Essendon’s next coach has been narrowed, with a key man opting not to get involved.

Former Fremantle and St Kilda coach Ross Lyon doesn’t want to coach Essendon. Picture: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images

The Essendon coaching committee can scrub Ross Lyon from its list of potential replacements for Ben Rutten.

Lyon, the former St Kilda and Fremantle coach, has reportedly declined to be part of the process to be the next coach of the Bombers.

Reports on Wednesday suggested Lyon had been approached by Essendon football boss Josh Mahoney to be part of the process, but he said no.

It’s understood senior Essendon players told club officials they wanted a coach with more senior experience to replace Rutten, who was sacked after the final game of the season.

Former Bomber Brendon Goddard, who played under Lyon at St Kilda, also pushed for his former coach to be a consideration for the Essendon committee formed to find Rutten’s replacement.

Ross Lyon is the stand out candidate. Hird will be the worst mistake essendon ever makes. I am glad we employed Lewis and walls to make a grown ups decision

— Shane Martin (@ShaneMa60460831) September 6, 2022

Lyon has previously said he was content with AFL media roles, which he combines with work in real estate.

It’s unclear who the frontrunner is to be Essendon’s next coach, with a committee including Carlton premiership coach Robert Walls and four-time Hawthorn premiership star Jordan Lewis given the task of sorting through the contenders.

Former Essendon coach James Hird, who returned to the coach’s box with GWS this year, has been among the names suggested.

It’s believed the Bombers want to make an appointment before this year’s grand final on September 24.

Originally published as AFL: Former Fremantle and St Kilda coach Ross Lyon doesn’t want Essendon job