St Kilda coach Ross Lyon has robustly dismissed reports suggesting unrest among senior players and a rumored $25 million offer for young talent Harley Reid. The speculation comes amid the Saints’ aggressive trade maneuvers, notably involving players like Tom De Koning and Leek Aleer, which have sparked concerns about potential departures of key figures such as Jack Steele, Callum Wilkie, and Rowan Marshall.
The rumors gained traction following South Australian journalist Michelangelo Rucci’s comments on SEN radio, where he mentioned the possibility of a significant player exodus from the Saints. Rucci suggested that Steele, Wilkie, Marshall, and Marcus Windhager might be considering their options as the club actively seeks to invest heavily in new talent.
However, Lyon addressed these claims directly on Nine’s Footy Classified, emphasizing his commitment to the current squad and refuting any suggestion of discontent. He cited a personal conversation with Wilkie, who reaffirmed his dedication to St Kilda, saying, “Ross, I’ve never entertained going anywhere else, I love St Kilda, I love what we’re doing.”
Unpacking the Rumors
Lyon was particularly critical of Rucci’s comments, likening them to idle chatter without substance. “
I heard the (Michaelangelo) Rucci stuff. I thought it was two old blokes having a beer and a barbecue in the backyard … there was no substance, no rigour
,” Lyon remarked, dismissing the speculation as part of the broader media narrative that often surrounds high-profile clubs.
He further questioned the motivations behind such reports, suggesting they might be attempts to destabilize the club. “Does he write content for the Port Adelaide SANFL club, is he a mad Port Adelaide, are they trying to get us into a bit of turmoil?” Lyon mused, pointing to similar tactics reportedly used against other clubs like Collingwood.
The Harley Reid Speculation
The rumors about a $25 million offer for Harley Reid, a promising young player from the Eagles, were also addressed by Lyon. Essendon legend Tim Watson had suggested that the Saints made a substantial offer to Reid, but Lyon was quick to downplay this narrative. “I’ve never spoken to Harley Reid in my life… I love Tim, but he got this one wrong,” he stated unequivocally.
Lyon highlighted the frustration at the Eagles’ end, particularly from CEO Don Pyke, regarding the ongoing negotiations with Reid. “Clearly they think there’s something out in the ether that’s getting in their way. Well, it certainly isn’t me,” Lyon added, distancing himself and the club from the speculation.
Future Concerns and Opportunities
Meanwhile, Lyon acknowledged concerns about the future of rising star Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera, who is considering a return to South Australia. Despite the uncertainty, Lyon expressed a positive outlook on the situation. “I’m excited we’ve got this problem,” he said, viewing it as an opportunity to demonstrate the club’s ability to retain top talent.
Lyon emphasized the importance of the club’s list management strategy, stating, “My job is to coach, the list management do their piece. It’s obviously high level and important. But we’ll continue to back ourselves in until we know otherwise.”
The coach’s comments reflect a broader narrative within the AFL, where clubs often face intense scrutiny and speculation, particularly during trade periods. As the Saints navigate these challenges, Lyon’s leadership and strategic vision will be crucial in maintaining stability and focus within the team.
As the AFL season progresses, the Saints’ ability to manage these rumors and maintain a cohesive team environment will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike. The situation underscores the dynamic and often unpredictable nature of professional sports management, where rumors can quickly become distractions if not addressed decisively.
