St Kilda coach Ross Lyon has adopted a forward-thinking approach following the Saints’ recent loss to Collingwood, swiftly shifting his focus to the upcoming clash with Melbourne. Lyon, known for his pragmatic outlook, indicated that the team had executed a significant portion of their game plan effectively against Collingwood, highlighting strengths in territory gained, forward entries, and overall defensive efforts. However, he stressed the ongoing necessity for diligent work and improvement.
“We did a lot right to be honest. Territories, entries, defended pretty well overall….We’ve just got to work really hard to improve and that’s what we’ve been doing,” Lyon stated, before definitively pivoting to the immediate future. “Today is Friday, that game [against Collingwood] was Sunday. We’re totally Melbourne.”
Preparing for the Demons’ Challenge
Lyon expressed confidence in St Kilda’s readiness to face Melbourne, anticipating a significant challenge from the Demons. He acknowledged that Melbourne would likely apply considerable pressure, requiring the Saints to be exceptionally organised and resilient, particularly in defending against their attacking plays.
“They’ll throw a lot at us, and we’ll have to be behind our mettle to be organised behind their attack,” Lyon explained.
The coach also dismissed any concerns that Melbourne’s new coach, Steven King, might introduce an element of unpredictability that would complicate preparation. Lyon asserted that AFL teams are generally well-drilled and that the Saints have already gathered sufficient intelligence on their opponents.
“We’ve had two games of footage…we’re pretty clear how they’re playing. There’ll be some tweaks, there’ll be some tactics that get thrown in but the broad ticket items are pretty clear to see,” he commented.
Facing a Familiar Face: Jack Steele
A significant subplot to the Melbourne game will be the first encounter between St Kilda and their former captain, Jack Steele. While acknowledging the inherent strangeness of the situation, Lyon framed it as a standard occupational hazard in professional football.
“He’s a much respected figure here, his history will always stand but ultimately he’s an opposition player,” Lyon said, underscoring the professional distance required.
Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera’s Development
Lyon addressed questions regarding Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera’s early-season form, offering a nuanced perspective. He pointed out that at halftime against Collingwood, Wanganeen-Milera had been among the highest-rated players on the ground, suggesting a strong initial contribution. However, he conceded that the young player’s impact waned in the second half.
“He’s a young player…he’ll learn his tricks,” Lyon reassured, indicating a belief in Wanganeen-Milera’s potential for growth and development.
When pressed for specific details on how Wanganeen-Milera’s role might be adjusted for the Melbourne game, Lyon firmly steered the conversation back to the collective team effort. He made it clear that the focus remained on the team’s overall strategy rather than singling out individual player adjustments in a public forum.
“We just spoke about Nas. If we want to call a press conference on Nas we’ll schedule one. It’s about the team,” he concluded.
