Lyon embraces ‘exciting time’

ST KILDA coach Ross Lyon said he is looking forward to next week’s blockbuster clash with Geelong but said, regardless of the result, the experience would help his charges.

“We get to walk away next week knowing we need to improve. Regardless of the result, we’ll know that, gee whiz we need to improve there and there and there. It is really exciting for the club. We are thrilled to be in it, it is going to be massive interest. There is another big one on Friday night as well (Essendon v Collingwood), so it is great for football,” Lyon said.

“Geelong have a strong history of really attacking their challengers, which we’re one. We are under no illusions what is in front of us. It is an exciting time for the players and the coaching group and the commercial operations. Most importantly, it is exciting for our fans. It will be a full house and it is our home game. I don’t think you could hope for any more as a club for a round 14 game.”

Lyon said Geelong’s performances over the past couple of years meant they were the better team going into the game.

“There are going to be two first-class midfields coming up against each other, and really they’ve got more score on the board than the St Kilda Football Club over the last couple of years. We’re respectful of that, but we certainly want to run down the race and compete with everything we’ve got.”

The Saints go in to the game on the back of a big win over Richmond, but Lyon said his team was not in ideal form going in to the big clash.

“Our aim is to play good football,” Lyon said.

“If you want to break it down simply, the first quarter they didn’t allow us to, and the second and third quarters, they did. In the last quarter, they didn’t allow us to. We walk away with two out of four, which isn’t ideal to be honest.

“What I can’t say is how much is due to the break (and) how much is due to the opposition. We were really pleased to bank four points. We go to 13 wins, and clearly we want to build to top four, top two if we can. It is another four points in the bank.”

Vote for your best on ground now - Carlton Natural Blonde People’s Champion