GARRY Lyon has started what could become a coaching journey by accepting a development role with the AFL and AFL Victoria for the next two years.
Lyon replaces Nathan Buckley as head coach of the Victorian Country under-16 AFL academy, which will see him guide the side throughout the 2010 and 2011 NAB AFL Under-16 Championships.
He will also serve as the AFL's junior coaching ambassador.
Lyon, 41, played 226 games for Melbourne between 1986 and 1999 and is fourth on the Demons' all-time goalkicking list (426) behind David Neitz, Norm Smith and Russell Robertson.
He captained the club from 1991 to 1997 and won its best-and-fairest award in 1990 and 1994. He was also named All-Australian in 1993, 1994 and 1995.
Coach of Australia's International Rules team from 2001 to 2004, Lyon has become one of football's most high-profile media personalities in recent years.
In a statement released by the League on Thursday night, Lyon said he was thrilled with his new position.
"To be able to work with such talented and committed youngsters, and help them to maximise their potential, as both footballers and young men, is genuinely exciting," Lyon said.
"At the same time, helping to foster the most positive, safe and respectful environment at junior football level around the country will remain a passion that I'm looking forward to promoting in conjunction with the AFL and AFL Victoria."
As a player, Lyon was one of the then-VFL's original development officers and has maintained his involvement at that level, coaching his son's junior team.
AFL general manager of development David Matthews said the League was delighted that a person of Lyon's standing wanted to make a stronger contribution to development.
"Garry has strong views on the way junior football should be delivered, that reflect the policies the AFL is working to promote," Matthews said.
"In essence, young players, umpires and their parents will stay in the game if they feel they are in a quality, positive environment.
"Garry will play a key role in educating coaches and parents as to their responsibilities in this regard."
AFL Victoria chief executive Peter Schwab said Lyon's commitment was a coup.
"Currently 21 per cent of AFL-listed players come from country Victoria," he said.
"Garry will work to ensure that the pathway for elite young players continues to provide opportunities as it did for the likes of (Luke) Hodge, (Jonathan) Brown, (Jimmy) Bartel and (Gary) Ablett."
Buckley, who will join Collingwood as an assistant to Mick Malthouse from 2010, will still coach Vic Country in its title clash with South Australia ahead of the 2009 Toyota AFL Grand Final.
