What’s Your Take? Ross Lyon’s Tense Press Conference Explains Controversial ‘Roll-the-Eyes’ Substitution

In the wake of St Kilda’s 45-point defeat to Brisbane on Saturday evening, coach Ross Lyon was decidedly tense, engaging in a sparring match with journalists during the press conference.

The Lions came out strong, establishing a commanding 30-12 lead by quarter-time and thoroughly dictating play, with 23 inside-50 entries compared to a mere four for the Saints.

The first question posed to Lyon was straightforward, as a reporter inquired about his perception of the match result.

Lyon responded to the query with a bit of sarcasm, flipping the question back on the journalist.

“I think you’ve all witnessed it; what did you make of it? Specifically, what were your observations from the first quarter?” Lyon jested.

In response, the journalist suggested that the Saints struggled with contests and clearances early on, a point with which Lyon concurred.

“You’ve hit the nail on the head,” he acknowledged.

“This has been a weakness for us. When we perform well, our clearance work is effective and centre bounce efforts too. However, around contested situations, which pertain to stoppages, they are a territory team … they managed to get it inside and dominated in terms of clearances and territory. Consequently, we were pinned down and unable to clear the ball.

“Our forwards were too distant, not efficient with the ball, and got stripped of possession, so it’s telling that it was 23 entries to four in the first quarter.”

Lyon opted to substitute mid-forward Hugo Garcia prior to half-time—a notably early tactical decision.

The coach elaborated that he was dissatisfied with the positioning of the 16-game player and chose to act swiftly.

“Do you understand the concept of stay-ahead midfielders and turning? There are times I just roll my eyes,” Lyon remarked.

“At times, you have to stop discussing it and simply act.”

Lyon affirmed he had no regrets about the early substitution, despite wingman Mason Wood suffering a concussion later in the game.

“Not in the slightest,” he stated.

“And how long after was it? Two quarters? That’s a half. I’m all about taking action. You might question why they pulled the sub, but I did it to try to instigate some change.”

Essendon legend Matthew Lloyd shared his views on the decision to sub Garcia.

“Word is that he was playing like Dustin Martin, not having to defend. Even when the ball came out from Brisbane’s forward line, he wasn’t making the effort,” Lloyd explained on Nine’s Sunday Footy Show.

“Lachie Neale of Brisbane plays a similar role, hovering in the forward line without chasing. Lyon expected Garcia to follow Neale at times, which he failed to do … it occurred too often, and Ross decided enough was enough.”

Neale certainly made his mark, booting three goals and setting the tone for the Lions’ convincing triumph.