Lyon targeted by club immediately after Ratten shown doorPhotograph: Daniel Carson/AFL Photos/Getty ImagesPhotograph: Daniel Carson/AFL Photos/Getty ImagesAn “emotional” Ross Lyon is returning for a second stint ascoach, 11 years after controversially walking out on the AFL club to join Fremantle. The Saints confirmed Lyon’s extraordinary homecoming in a media statement on Monday, under the headline of “He’s back”.
The 55-year-old said he had unfinished business at the club after coaching them to within one point of their second premiership – in their 2010 grand final draw with Collingwood, which was followed by a 56-point defeat in the replay. “When I presented to the board and how I felt about St Kilda, I did get very emotional and it sort of unleashed a lot of memories, the highs and the lows. That sort of really validated how I felt about the club.”
“We have spent the last 10 days talking extensively to Ross. He has presented to our Board and met multiple times with myself, Simon Lethlean and Geoff Walsh to share his vision for the future of our program,” Bassat said.