Ross Lyon

[Redleg 40,989]

+1

You'll burst a blood vessel if you don't settle down Redleg. Or worse miss the next Cox Plate. With you 100%. Great passion.

Think it's too late, there is blood all over me. Oh it's alright, just my red pen leaked.

[beelzebub 23,380]

I would kiss Ross Lyon's arse or anyone else's for that matter if they delivered a Premiership to the Dees. I have waited like those old enough to remember 1964, 47 years to win a flag. I am sick of the excuses. I am sick of the expectation of the next year. I am sick of putting up with poor years to get draft picks. I am sick of Melbourne asking me for money. I am sick of seeing other clubs winning flags. I am sick of seeing my family's disappointed faces after games. I am sick of other supporters treating my club like a joke. I am sick of playing soft football. I want a flag. All Demonlanders want a flag. Bloody well get one anyway they can and I will be happy. Let it be from a shocking umpiring display, or a lucky bounce or even a hurricane picking up a kick from full back by Chip and going through for a goal at the other end. I don't care what needs to happen, just let it and give us our flag.

Amen Brother !!! Amen

[Disco Demons 92]

I would take Ross Lyon....or Roos, Malthouse, Clarkson, Chocco....Even Viney.

[Demon SeaMan 108]

You can start defensively and work it into attack a la hawks year they one the flag. Brutal in under Footy backyard stuff it was.

I think Lyon has only worked with what has been at his disposal and given what he will háve at MFC. Then I say let's go for it

A pretty good tactician to boot!!

[Demonic Ascent 0]

I hate watching the Saints play - they have a boring game plan for the neutral supporter because they are so damn efficient in their pressure and accountability. I have no doubt however that Saints supporters would have loved the last few years (with the exception of the last quarter of 2009 and the last game of 2010). Lyon would be EXACTLY what we need, a coach who will not accept anything less than accountability from EVERY player, not just those who may not be as talented as the likes of Davey (and previously guys like Yze) who are given free reign because of their natural talent with their team-mates expected to pick up the slack.

Would I be bored watching the Demons play accountable football every week and winning most games? This is what I have been crying out for since forever. We haven't had accountable sides since the Northey era and this has bred a culture of soft and lazy front-runners.

Go back and look at the 2009 Grand Final (and Round 14 earlier in that year). Two of the best games of the modern era and the 2009 GF is one of the toughest games I have seen. Boring? HELL NO.

The Saints cop it for being involved in so many boring games (vs Geelong 2011 and vs Dogs 2010). The fcat is they are so efficient that the only way other teams can compete/try to beat them is to focus as much on the defensive side/accountability as the Saints do otherwise they would get over-powered and ground down.

If the rumours are true and we have made big money/contract offers to Clarkson and Lyon then not only do I applaud the club for having the balls to go out and say "this is what we want" and doing everything in their power to get it but I also have complete faith that those in charge know exactly what we need for this group of players and that is a coach who will kick them up the r's and make them accountable. Hopefully we can snare one of these guys because they are exactly what we need to send a rocket up the complacency at the club and in some of the players.

Edited August 23, 2011 by Demonic Ascent

[Lil_red_fire_engine 11,223]

Why do so many hate the way the Saints play ? Can someone clarify what is so apparently unattractive about their brand of footy ? Because when I watch them, particularly this year, to me, they are no more boring than a Western Bulldogs, Fremantle , Essendon, Sydney or West Coast.

Is it because they've been up so long and we're watching the same old players or something ? Is that what is boring ?

Please communicate your thoughts on this trivial matter.

There has been a tweak second half of this year but most of his coaching has not just been on focussing on defence but focussing on it until you smother your own ability to score. The top sides now have a strong focus on defence but also have an ability to score heavily.

A friend of mine once said not many sides lose these days when they kick 15 goals 10 (100 points). Over the last 5 years 66% of the time StKilda have not scored over 100 points and that is with having arguably the best CHF and crumber in the league in that time.

He is a good coach but I hope if he comes he brings a hard nose style with defensive intent but balances this more than he has at the Saints.

[Weedster 174]

I would kiss Ross Lyon's arse or anyone else's for that matter if they delivered a Premiership to the Dees. I have waited like those old enough to remember 1964, 47 years to win a flag. I am sick of the excuses. I am sick of the expectation of the next year. I am sick of putting up with poor years to get draft picks. I am sick of Melbourne asking me for money. I am sick of seeing other clubs winning flags. I am sick of seeing my family's disappointed faces after games. I am sick of other supporters treating my club like a joke. I am sick of playing soft football. I want a flag. All Demonlanders want a flag. Bloody well get one anyway they can and I will be happy. Let it be from a shocking umpiring display, or a lucky bounce or even a hurricane picking up a kick from full back by Chip and going through for a goal at the other end. I don't care what needs to happen, just let it and give us our flag.

Well said ! FWIW, I would happily accept Lyon or Eade - both know what it takes & don't abide slackers

[old dee 23,801]

I would kiss Ross Lyon's arse or anyone else's for that matter if they delivered a Premiership to the Dees. I have waited like those old enough to remember 1964, 47 years to win a flag. I am sick of the excuses. I am sick of the expectation of the next year. I am sick of putting up with poor years to get draft picks. I am sick of Melbourne asking me for money. I am sick of seeing other clubs winning flags. I am sick of seeing my family's disappointed faces after games. I am sick of other supporters treating my club like a joke. I am sick of playing soft football. I want a flag. All Demonlanders want a flag. Bloody well get one anyway they can and I will be happy. Let it be from a shocking umpiring display, or a lucky bounce or even a hurricane picking up a kick from full back by Chip and going through for a goal at the other end. I don't care what needs to happen, just let it and give us our flag.

Hallelujah to that redleg

But only if you can get past me in the Queue

[Wadda We Sing 10,685]

Not sure if this was mentioned anywhere else, but Gary Lyon was quizzed by Caro and Co. on ch 10 show last night about what Melb was doing re coach appointing strategy and Gary said there was a board meeting yesterday and an announcement was scheduled for today.

[Robbie57 2,022]

Not sure if this was mentioned anywhere else, but Gary Lyon was quizzed by Caro and Co. on ch 10 show last night about what Melb was doing re coach appointing strategy and Gary said there was a board meeting yesterday and an announcement was scheduled for today.

Stuck in Sydney is this online anywhere?

And +1 with redleg.

[Cheesy D. Pun 1,765]

Two bounces of the ball from two cups. Would love Lyon. He is brutal. Give me ugly footy and victory any time.

I reckon open, free-flowing footy is boring anyway. I'd rather see lots of contested footy. The more tackling and smothering etc., the better the spectacle IMO.

[Pennant St Dee 13,249]

Sydney under Roos and Lyon played honest accountable footy brought back the "Bloods" and showed immense pride in the club and jumper.

Saints do all of the above

I would love to see players wearing red and blue playing hard accountable footy every week. It would make a change going to a game knowing we were going to throw everything at it instead of wondering which Melbourne were going to turn up today.

I think he would be a good get but also remember him copping some criticism from Saints fans at the start of 2007 when they were out of contention for the finals. So the knockers may start saying told you so early days.

From memory once they started learning the game plan they came home with a wet sail and just missed the finals that year and after. From 2008 onwards am I correct in recalling they played in a prelim every year. Off course we all know they got very close in 2009 & 2010.

In all honesty I wont be disapointed if Ross Lyon is our coach next year

Edited August 23, 2011 by Pennant St Dee

[Axis of Bob 11,836]

Actually, having a powerful forward line is an excellent reason to play defensive football.

If you look at St Kilda and Sydney, they had two of the best forward lines in the game which allowed them to kick goals even when the opposition had extra numbers in defence. They'd kick the ball into Riewoldt and Kosi to take big marks, and then have Milne and Schneider pick up the crumbs if they missed. The rest of the numbers were waiting to turn the ball over if they didn't kick a goal.

Conversely, Geelong had a poor forward line but a great defence, so they played an attacking game and backed their defence to beat their opponents without as much help from team mates. They ran forward, provided options in attack and kicked goals, because if they turned it over then they would back Scarlett, Harley, Egan, Engright, Kelly and Hunt to win the ball back.

[Finks 19]

I would kiss Ross Lyon's arse or anyone else's for that matter if they delivered a Premiership to the Dees. I have waited like those old enough to remember 1964, 47 years to win a flag. I am sick of the excuses. I am sick of the expectation of the next year. I am sick of putting up with poor years to get draft picks. I am sick of Melbourne asking me for money. I am sick of seeing other clubs winning flags. I am sick of seeing my family's disappointed faces after games. I am sick of other supporters treating my club like a joke. I am sick of playing soft football. I want a flag. All Demonlanders want a flag. Bloody well get one anyway they can and I will be happy. Let it be from a shocking umpiring display, or a lucky bounce or even a hurricane picking up a kick from full back by Chip and going through for a goal at the other end. I don't care what needs to happen, just let it and give us our flag.

+1

[Dockett 32 1,239]

I would kiss Ross Lyon's arse or anyone else's for that matter if they delivered a Premiership to the Dees. I have waited like those old enough to remember 1964, 47 years to win a flag. I am sick of the excuses. I am sick of the expectation of the next year. I am sick of putting up with poor years to get draft picks. I am sick of Melbourne asking me for money. I am sick of seeing other clubs winning flags. I am sick of seeing my family's disappointed faces after games. I am sick of other supporters treating my club like a joke. I am sick of playing soft football. I want a flag. All Demonlanders want a flag. Bloody well get one anyway they can and I will be happy. Let it be from a shocking umpiring display, or a lucky bounce or even a hurricane picking up a kick from full back by Chip and going through for a goal at the other end. I don't care what needs to happen, just let it and give us our flag.

Perhaps not the incentive Ross may be looking for to come to Melbourne Redleg but I share your sentiments. Was also at 64. it's been a while hasn't it.

[Deeoldfart 8,035]

I would kiss Ross Lyon's arse or anyone else's for that matter if they delivered a Premiership to the Dees. I have waited like those old enough to remember 1964, 47 years to win a flag. I am sick of the excuses. I am sick of the expectation of the next year. I am sick of putting up with poor years to get draft picks. I am sick of Melbourne asking me for money. I am sick of seeing other clubs winning flags. I am sick of seeing my family's disappointed faces after games. I am sick of other supporters treating my club like a joke. I am sick of playing soft football. I want a flag. All Demonlanders want a flag. Bloody well get one anyway they can and I will be happy. Let it be from a shocking umpiring display, or a lucky bounce or even a hurricane picking up a kick from full back by Chip and going through for a goal at the other end. I don't care what needs to happen, just let it and give us our flag.

Absolutely Redleg. In the best of all worlds I want a premiership based around fast, attacking, open, risk taking and high scoring football ..... BUT we all know it's not a perfect world! When push comes to shove, I'd be just as ecstatic with a premiership based around whatever game-style becomes our hallmark. If Ross Lyon transpires as the 'best available' then I want him to coach Melbourne.

Edit: spelling

Edited August 23, 2011 by Deeoldfart

[Guest Gareth Keenan]

Actually, having a powerful forward line is an excellent reason to play defensive football.

If you look at St Kilda and Sydney, they had two of the best forward lines in the game which allowed them to kick goals even when the opposition had extra numbers in defence. They'd kick the ball into Riewoldt and Kosi to take big marks, and then have Milne and Schneider pick up the crumbs if they missed. The rest of the numbers were waiting to turn the ball over if they didn't kick a goal.

Conversely, Geelong had a poor forward line but a great defence, so they played an attacking game and backed their defence to beat their opponents without as much help from team mates. They ran forward, provided options in attack and kicked goals, because if they turned it over then they would back Scarlett, Harley, Egan, Engright, Kelly and Hunt to win the ball back.

Decent post.

[Deetective Sgt. Taggert 389]

Lyon would surely have a strong desire to achieve what he got so close to with the Saints but would have to concede it very unlikely to happen with the saint (unless he is prepared to do a Malthouse and wait another 5 years or so through another rebuild).

[Hannabal 4]

I can't understand how people would not embrace Ross Lyon.

Mick is the number 1 target, but after him I couldn't think of another current coach that I'd rather have than Lyon.

He is a proven coach. He is hard on the players. He is a good communicator. He gets the best out of the players on his list. His teams play with fantastic defensive structures and are hard to beat. They are always willing to scrap out a game and hardly ever give up.

He was a Matthew Scarlett toe-poke and a bad bounce away from being a back-to-back premiership coach. Yes St Kilda has some superstars on their list but it's one thing having the talent and another thing to get the most out of that talent and delivering on potential. Lyon has clearly delivered on the potential.

As I said, other than Mick, this bloke has all the attributes that we are after in a coach.

As for an ugly style or brand of footy, who cares. We are in this business to win, not to play attractive attacking football. Can anyone seriously say they would prefer to see a a high scoring loss in a shootout rather than a dour low-scoring 20 point win? I want to see the MFC win a premiership and whatever it takes to get us there is fine by me.

And in any case I think there can be something attractive and engrossing about watching a team defend well and employ sound defensive tactics. Football is not just about goals and high marks, but about seeing committed team defence too.

People complain about us being a front-running side and then worry about becoming too defensive. Staggering.

Excellent post.

And at their best I really enjoyed watching their contested footy. The best H&A game I've ever seen (no exaggeration) was the Saints versus Geelong in round 14, 2009. Both sides came into the match undefeated and the Saints won by a goal and if my memory serves me correctly Michael Gardiner kicked the winning one.

The Saints won their first 19 games that year.

[Prymke0019 0]

AFLCA Chief Danny Frawley Says St Kilda Coach Ross Lyon Has Not Spoken To The Melbourne Demons

Danny Frawley in his role as AFLCA boss has completed shot down rumours Ross Lyon will be heading our way and reckons him staying at St Kilda is a sure thing.

While it's a long-shot, Lyon is exactly what we need a right now.

He would get us on the right path and put us in premiership contention within three years. I firmly believe this.

[Striker475 696]

What the heck would Spud know?

[Fork 'em 6,984]

While it's a long-shot, Lyon is exactly what we need a right now.

He would get us on the right path and put us in premiership contention within three years. I firmly believe this.

What Bulltish .

Any coach with half a brain will put us in contention .

[BAMF 4,360]

What the heck would Spud know?

Agreed.

[MadAsHell 4,212]

Ross Lyon would be the perfect fit at Melbourne.

He's defensive minded, but at the same time he's smart enough to know that with Melbourne playing at the G we wouldn't be able to play their lock down style play at Docklands to the same extent. With the MCG being a much bigger ground more of a balance between attack & defence will be needed.

Ross Lyon is a smart enough man to come up with a suitable game plan that will work for us at the G. He's uncompromising and demands the most out of his players. Fingers crossed with so much coaching experience at Etihad he could actually get us to win a few games there also!

While Malthouse, Clarkson & Roos are still the top 3 on my wish list, Lyon wouldn't be far behind.

[Tim 3,438]

I, too, would be happy to see the sort of committed footy the Saints play applied to the Melbourne list. As for the game plan Ross Lyon would institute, hopefully 5 years at St Kilda would have developed his thinking. Would therefore expect that he would be a better, more rounded coach than the one that took the Saints to the heights of the last 2 seasons. As someone said, an errant bounce and Scarlett toe-poke away from back-to-back. Or perhaps more pointedly, in terms of coaching nouse, a few more minutes of Luke Ball on the ground away from winning in 2009, and then having Ball with him rather than against him in the 2010 affair.

Still burning a candle for Malthouse, though.