"There is an opportunity for us and North Melbourne and at the end of the day you have got to get it done," he said.
"Let's all roll up to Etihad Stadium on Saturday night and let's get it on.
"Let's see where we are at. You are either good enough or you are not and I will back my group in and let's see how we go."
It’s a must win match for both sides with a finals berth on the line and Lyon has denied skipper Nick Riewoldt is carrying an injury. He also took the opportunity to his back at those who have criticised the centre-half forward’s season.
“He's certainly not injured. But I pick it up, I see the articles. I see (criticism) from (Matthew) Lloyd, I see (Paul) Roos, but guess what? They are just opinions," Lyon said.
"It goes with the scrutiny of being a champion centre half-forward and that's what he is. I think (today) was a pretty good effort, so if you want to write it differently, that's OK."
Riewoldt finished on the bench and reports of a knee injury won’t go away.
