The Cats remain on top of the ladder on percentage and Lyon said his team could not get too carried away, knowing they also beat the Cats in the corresponding home and away game last year and that the reigning premiers were severely depleted this time around.
“I think it’s irrelevant. We know that, particularly based on last year," Lyon said.
"That’s not Geelong that’s lost 12 games in three and a half years is it? And we’ve got a couple out too but I think they walk away with a bit of fat on the lamb. No (James) Kelly or (Paul) Chapman. Joel Corey’s a star, (also) Ottens,” Lyon said.
“We’ve got (Nick) Riewoldt and (Jason) Gram [who] are pretty close and Zac Dawson’s available. All you can do is play what’s in front of you, try and bank four points and consign round 13 to history and move on to round 14.”
The Saints dominated the third quarter, kicking five goals while holding the Cats scoreless. But Lyon said there were still areas to improve.
“At half time it wasn’t really looking that great but I was just frustrated. I thought we were a bit hesitant at times and didn’t defend that well,” he said.
“I spoke some home truths at half time about … how we were looking and I didn’t like what I was seeing. I thought our effort was there. I asked them to play some good aggressive football and we did that.”
Some of the Saints’ lesser-lights were key contributors to the win. Two of the best were Jack Steven, who kicked three valuable third-quarter goals, and James Gwilt who had 27 touches from the back half.
Lyon said it was encouraging to see players step up from the fringes to have an impact against quality opposition.
“It’s always nice for our members to see that it’s not all about Nick Riewoldt. It’s about our ability to bring some players on - (Rhys) Stanley, Jack Steven, Gwilt, (Jarryn) Geary, (Sam) Gilbert and (Ben) McEvoy,” he said.
“They’re a handy little group but I think everyone’s trying to bring some players on and all clubs are under pressure with what’s coming through the door [Gold Coast and Greater West Sydney] so you’ve got to be able to develop your own.”
