After Baker’s last AFL appearance - against the Cats back in round 13 - he was banned for nine games, following a number of altercations with Steve Johnson, who also copped a three-week suspension for his role in the dust-ups.
Having served the penalty, Baker is free to make his comeback this weekend, and there’s a big chance he’ll line up on Johnson once again.
“[I think] Steven plays within the laws of the game,” Lyon stated on Tuesday.
“He certainly copped a suspension, and that’s all debatable, but there’s plenty of things that happen on both sides of the fence that get missed.
“I just want whoever plays on the weekend to … be umpired to the laws of the game.
“I think that’s all any coach or player in the AFL system can ask for, and I think that’s what we’ll get.”
Geelong coach Mark Thompson had his say on Monday when he called on the umpires to act quickly if Baker tries to unfairly rough-up Johnson.
“That would have saved all the hassle that happened last time we played. Finals are serious games, there’s a lot at stake, and the umpires need to take control early,” Thompson said.
However, Lyon laughed off suggestions that the umpires need to pay extra attention to Baker.
“When Bomber [Thompson] is talking about umpires and getting free kicks early, there must be something extra riding on the game,” Lyon joked.
“I just hope the Ling rule is in and Nick Dal Santo gets about five frees for holds in the first quarter.
“If Nick [Riewoldt’s] arms are taken out then I want that to be recognised and the whistle blown.”
Collingwood and Geelong are the current favourites to win this year’s premiership, but the Saints are quietly confident they can win their club’s first flag since 1966.
“It is a new season. It’s about what you do from here on,” Lyon said.
“You’ve got to kick straight, you’ve got to take your chances, and you don’t have to be the best team all year, you’ve just got to play your best football in September.
“We sit here having played and beaten all the top four teams during the year. We’ve basically beaten everyone in the eight.
“It’s been a long, hard journey, particularly after the disappointment of last year, but we sit here equal with everyone and we’re going to give it our best shot.”
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