St Kilda has announced Ross Lyon will return to Moorabbin as senior coach, 11 years after he sensationally left the club for Fremantle.
Days of speculation have now ended, with the Saints to celebrate the homecoming of sorts in front of the media this afternoon.
“On behalf of the Board, we are incredibly pleased to be announcing Ross Lyon as our AFL Senior Coach,” president Andrew Bassat wrote in a letter to members.
“Ross’s unwavering pursuit of on- and off-field excellence is exactly what we believe we need to take this club forward.
“While his senior coaching record and reputation as a leader speaks for itself, Ross has a clear passion for St Kilda and is determined to bring the club and its people long-awaited success.”
The 55-year-old will replace Brett Ratten, who was sacked less than a fortnight ago, despite signing a two-year contract extension just months earlier.
That shock decision came after a poor second half to the Saints’ season, following a promising beginning to the year.
Lyon met with club powerbrokers in recent days — including Bassat and chief executive Simon Lethlean — as the Saints honed in on their only candidate and negotiated a deal for him to return.
“I have always had a strong affinity to the Saints, and it feels incredible to be back here as Senior Coach,” Lyon said to members.
“I have unfinished business with St Kilda and want to play a role in delivering success to the industry’s most loyal fans.”
In September, Lyon ruled himself out as a candidate to become Essendon’s next coach.
Lyon enjoyed a successful period at the helm of the Saints when he led the club to grand finals in 2009 and 2010 before he was lured to the Dockers in 2011.
He took the Dockers to four successive finals series, including their maiden grand final in 2013, before results dived and he was sacked in 2019.
He has since moved into the commercial property sector and established himself as a prominent football media commentator.
“I have kept a close eye on the competition since leaving the coaching ranks and have used this time to grow in areas I believe will assist me in this next chapter of my football career,” Lyon said.
Source: AFL NEWS ABC
