Former Gold Coast chairman Tony Cochrane has sharply criticized St Kilda coach Ross Lyon over his ‘nepo baby’ comment about the Suns, claiming it has ‘brought the entire sport into disrepute’.
Lyon’s remark preceded St Kilda’s loss to Gold Coast on Sunday, which sparked backlash from both Suns coach Damien Hardwick and CEO Mark Evans.
Despite clubs like St Kilda expressing concerns regarding the Suns’ access to academy players—which could enable Gold Coast to secure up to eight first-round picks at a bargain over three years—Cochrane argues that this is ultimately advantageous for the league.
He believes Lyon has tarnished his reputation as a respected figure within the competition.
“I felt it diminished the whole sport,” Cochrane told SEN.
“When you listen to any coach before a game, they typically promote their team and discuss what they can contribute that day. It was a completely inappropriate and embarrassing comment for someone positioned as a senior figure in the game. Very poor form. It’s absolute nonsense.”
“Building a football club requires a community effort. No individual or group can do it alone. It demands the involvement of many people and considerable dedication and hard work.”
Cochrane went on to suggest that Lyon’s flippant remark reflects St Kilda’s recent difficulties.
“Sadly, over the last few years, the only time St Kilda has featured in discussions is when they’re criticising their own side and lamenting the opportunities they’ve missed,” he noted.
Hardwick and Lyon engaged in a verbal clash. Fox Footy
“They might wonder why their crowds are declining. I would attend matches every week during my presidency knowing we were likely going to lose, but I never once demeaned our prospects.”
“You need to maintain a positive outlook; how can you inspire fans if you’re not supportive of your players and your club?”
“This is fundamental—it’s not rocket science. While he may criticise the academy, I doubt he disparages the pay he receives from television rights.”
“All the club presidents understand that they’re in a tough spot. The recent increase in revenues is mainly due to high ratings from media companies in New South Wales and Queensland, two of Australia’s most populous states.”
Cochrane pointed out that the academies were established after Gold Coast lost co-captains Stephen May and Tom Lynch in the same off-season.
He made a case for the AFL to approve the contentious academy system, which has benefited not only the Suns but also Sydney, Brisbane, and GWS.
“It’s easy to question why we receive certain advantages now, but I didn’t see anyone rushing to help us during our initial five years when we were in dire straits. People weren’t around to say, ‘it’s outrageous for the AFL to expect you to make it under those conditions’,” Cochrane lamented.
“We lost our two co-captains in the same year, and they both decided to pursue more lucrative opportunities in Melbourne.”
Tony Cochrane. Getty
“Ironically, at that time, St Kilda was in pursuit of one of those two players. To some extent, I accepted the critique.
“We faced heavy criticism: ‘Sort out your own backyard; you can’t continuously recruit from the southern states because of the go-home factor.’
“However, we acknowledged the validity of their point: we needed to find our own way forward.
“We approached the commission, I spent a good three hours convincing them.
“We secured funding for what is now known as the academy program, and we got serious about it. We engaged the right coaches and the right youth, reaching out to areas like Cairns and northern NSW.
“Now, we have over 1000 kids enrolled in the academy program. Instead of receiving praise for developing local talent, we are facing criticism.
Zeke Uwland is a potential top pick in this year’s draft from the Suns academy. Getty
“This year, the academy may produce up to seven draft selections. We have an exciting group of talented young players coming through. The club is in a strong position now.”
“We’ll claim two or three of them, but three or four will likely end up at other clubs after spending six years in our academy, all ready for AFL-level football.”
“Instead of criticising a system that benefits everyone, those who are smarter should recognise that we are laying the groundwork for collective success and adapt aspects of our model to suit their own needs in the southern states.”
“You told us we had to clean up our act, so we did, and now you’re unhappy with how we’ve done it!”
The AFL has yet to indicate whether Lyon will face any repercussions for his comments.
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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