Speaking after St Kilda's 34-point first semi-final win over Collingwood at the 'G on Saturday night, Lyon said the pressure the Saints piled on the Magpies was pivotal to the result.
"There was a couple of times where they (Collingwood) had it and they looked to go [forward] and someone got a fingernail in and we were able to turn it over," Lyon said.
"The pressure skills were good."
Lyon said it was critical the club didn't lose, dropping out of the finals with consecutive defeats after finishing fourth.
"It was important, as it would have been for the Bulldogs – that we didn't go out in straight sets. The heat would have been on the club. So it was pleasing for a lot of people who worked hard that we go a little bit deeper into the finals series," he said.
"We're under no illusions about what we've got ahead of us next week, but I don't really want to talk about Hawthorn tonight and I don't want to talk about 'Buddy' [Lance Franklin].
"Let me enjoy tonight and I'll go and review and get it done quickly and move on."
Lyon praised the performance of skipper Nick Riewoldt, who booted five goals in a best-on-ground display.
"Nick's had a super year, but I thought it was a weight of numbers performance," he said.
"Nick's our captain and he stands out and I just thought he did what he had to do.
"I thought last week he had some opportunities and it didn't quite go his way. Really good players bounce back through their preparation and he had a great week on the track and you don't fluke what he does – it's not an accident.
"So he'll have some up and down weeks, but he'll have more up weeks than down weeks – that's the type of player he is."
Lyon also acknowledged the efforts of Jason Blake in defence, but said it would be harsh to have a crack at Collingwood forward Travis Cloke's performance. The key Pie had just six touches.
"Travis Cloke is a wonderful player and there was a lot of team defence – not great supply – and our understanding was that he was crook in bed with the flu.
"If I pick up the paper tomorrow – Jason Blake did a good job – and Travis Cloke is hit from pillar to post, I'd be disappointed."
