St Kilda Football Club is thrilled to announce Ross Lyon as its new AFL Senior Coach.

With more than 35 years’ experience in the AFL industry both as a player and a coach, Lyon joins the Saints as one of the most widely respected senior coaches in the competition.

Lyon, who previously coached St Kilda from 2007-2011 and steered the club towards three Grand Final appearances, will hold the role for at least the next four seasons.

In a letter to members confirming the appointment, President Andrew Bassat said Lyon was the coach needed to develop a winning culture at the club.

“On behalf of the Board, we are incredibly pleased to be announcing Ross Lyon as our AFL Senior Coach,” Bassat said.

“Ross’ 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.

- President Andrew Bassat

“Ross is aligned in our vision, and his experiences within the industry – particularly as someone with such in-depth knowledge of St Kilda – should give our members a high level of confidence moving forward.

“As we embark on our 150th year, we will not shy away from our ambitious goals for this club both on and off the field.”

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'Anything is possible': Lyon press conference

Senior Coach Ross Lyon, President Andrew Bassat and CEO Simon Lethlean front the media following this morning's coaching announcement

On his return to RSEA Park, Lyon said he wouldn’t waste a moment in getting to work.

“I have always had a strong affinity to the Saints, and it feels incredible to be back here as Senior Coach,” Lyon said.

“I have unfinished business with St Kilda and want to play a role in delivering success to the industry’s most loyal fans.

“I have been impressed with the vision of Andrew Bassat and Simon Lethlean, and along with Geoff Walsh (Executive General Manager of Football), I am keen to get to work.”

Following his time at St Kilda, Lyon held the senior coaching position at Fremantle from 2012-2019 – coaching the Dockers to their maiden Grand Final appearance in 2013 – before taking up various media and football analytics roles over the past three years.

“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.

“I’m looking forward to meeting all the players and staff in the coming weeks and am excited to get started.”

Lyon will officially commence in the role on 1 November.

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