Indigenous footballers who have played under Saints coach Ross Lyon have come to his defence after comments he made during a training session led to an “emotional” meeting with players.
Veteran football journalist Caroline Wilson reported on Monday night that Lyon said, “I love the brotherboy connection, but we all have to remember we are part of a bigger team here”, after several Indigenous players had linked up with the ball during a training session.
The comment was reportedly not appreciated by the players, including Bradley Hill and Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera, and led to a meeting in which Lyon offered to consider stepping down as head coach.
Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera, Ross Lyon, and Bradley Hill together. (Instagram: @ bradleyhill10)
“I’m not here to justify or try to rationalise what I said. We are all only as good as our next moment, and it was a moment I understand I misjudged,” Lyon told Wilson.
“Was I being flippant? Could it be described as casual racism?
“It didn’t land where it should have landed, and I have to wear that, and I take full responsibility for what I said.
“I was very emotional at the meeting, and I offered to consider my position.”
The report on Channel 7’s Agenda Setters prompted several players, including Hill and Wanganeen-Milera, to defend Lyon on social media.
“Sorry Caro but we love Ross,” Hill posted on Instagram, along with a picture of Hill, Lyon, and Wanganeen-Milera arm in arm.
Wanganeen-Milera reposted the image, while Fremantle’s Michael Walters, who spent several years under Lyon at the Dockers, also shared the image.
“Ross loves the Indigenous culture. He’s more open to learn than any of you,” Walters wrote on the post, while Liam Henry, who moved from the Dockers to the Saints, wrote, “One of us.”
Lyon spoke to media on his way into Saints headquarters on Tuesday and addressed the story in person.
“Culture’s really important and behaviour’s really important, and I made an error, unintentionally, resolved it with my players and I’m thankful for their support,” Lyon told reporters.
“As a leader of the club, it’s important that you get it right every time.
“We’re all only as good as our next moment and it’s good to be held to account and for everyone in the AFL industry, we need to stay vigilant.”
ABC/AAP
dan