A large group of media awaited Ross Lyon for his weekly press conference this afternoon, with the Senior Coach addressing the media reports of the week before turning his focus to Friday night’s blockbuster clash at the MCG against top placed Geelong.

When asked about the recent reports of an internal police investigation into claims made by a former detective senior constable, Lyon responded; “Obviously it’s not ideal but we’re industry professionals and we represent 40,000 magnificent members, so we have a game against last year’s Premiers to help us focus.”

“We all have full confidence in Victorian Police and their integrity. I’m proud of the group and their ability to stick together, work together and not make any assumptions or incorrect judgments. They are solely focusing on their footy.”

“All of us are obviously feeling a range of emotions but ultimately we need to use it as a stimulus to continue to focus on our preparation as best we can.”

When the two teams met last season in Round 14 it was another top of the table clash, although with neither team undefeated at this midway point of the current season the pressure has been slightly lifted on both sides.

However when asked if the Saints have a point to prove after missing out on the 2009 Premiership to the Cats by 12 points, Lyon didn’t see the relevance.

“There is no point to prove as there is no cup at stake. It’s just another four points that we’re trying to bank and another opportunity for ourselves.

“We’re the second best performers for this home and away so far, so there should be strong interest (at the game) and we want to put on a good show. Hopefully there will be about 80,000 people there - that would be fantastic for our first game (of the year) at the MCG.”

Sitting at nine wins and three losses, Lyon feels the team has come a long way since the start of the season, but obviously there is still more work that needs to be done in the second part of the year.

“Our aim is to improve our football at all times. I thought when we went to Subiaco, twice in a month, it was a great way to win on the road and we played some of our better footy for the year.”

“We’ve certainly really improved our attack, we’re ranked fourth over the last five weeks and our defence is still strong. There are some really good signs.”

The highlight of the week for all St Kilda fans however would have to be the news that Saints Captain Nick Riewoldt was back training with the full team - and may be back to play for the side in the next couple of weeks.

When asked about Riewoldt’s return Lyon replied; “It will be within the next 1-3 weeks.”

Lyon further explained; ”It’s about how many hurdles are put in front of him - which at this stage he continues to jump. However, if he clips one of them, it will put him back a week straight away. Until he has jumped all the hurdles, I can’t put a definitive round on his return.

“He’s so mentally strong and he trained fully with the group earlier in the week. To see him train was unbelievable so I am sure he will come back and play some pretty good football.”

Since Riewoldt’s hamstring injury in Round 3, Lyon and his squad have been under constant scrutiny as to whether the team can perform without their Captain. But Lyon is pleased in the manor the players and staff have responded to the challenge.

“You find out about yourself under pressure. Obviously we’ve lost a player through injury, which isn’t abnormal circumstances, and certainly nothing we haven’t been able to deal with.”

“I think we have been really good as a Club in keeping everyone informed. Not only our members, but the wider football community.”

Another couple of missing Saints in Jason Gram and Zac Dawson are also expected to be back in contention over the next few weeks, which adds extra boost to the St Kilda line-up.

For now, Lyon is simply looking ahead to Friday night’s match and ensuring it is another great game between these two modern rivals.

“We’ve worked our way to 9-3 and we have a big challenge in front of us in Geelong. We’re on nine wins, and twelve (wins) should get you into the top eight, so from there you’ll reassess.”


If you haven’t secured your ticket yet for this blockbuster game make sure you go to ticketmaster.com.au now before it’s too late!