Saints Star Backs Ross Lyon on Instagram Following Coach’s Training Remarks Revealed

St Kilda star Brad Hill has openly shown his support for coach Ross Lyon, who reportedly considered resigning following a controversial remark made during a training session earlier this year.

On Monday evening’s episode of Seven’s Agenda Setters, veteran journalist Caroline Wilson disclosed that Lyon’s comment had distressed several Indigenous players at the club. Lyon later offered to step down from his role if that was the team’s desire.

During a training drill at the beginning of the season, Lyon allegedly stated, “I love the brother boy connection, but we all need to remember we are part of a larger team here,” as he observed three Indigenous players working together.

This comment was overheard by numerous players, and veteran Indigenous player Hill reached out to Lyon to discuss how the statement might be interpreted as racially insensitive.

In response, Lyon is said to have called for a team meeting on the following Monday—initially intended to be a rest day—where he became emotional and clarified that he did not intend for his comment to be taken as racist, offering his resignation if the players preferred.

“I’m not here to defend or excuse my statement. We’re only as strong as our next moment, and I recognise this was a moment I misjudged,” Lyon stated in a message to Wilson on Monday night.

“Was my tone casual? Could my words be perceived as insensitive? I took away valuable lessons from this experience.

“What I said didn’t resonate as intended, and I have to accept that—I take full responsibility for my words.

“I was quite emotional during the meeting and contemplated my future with the club.”

Wilson reported that Hill was displeased with how the incident was being portrayed by the journalist, subsequently sharing a story on his Instagram account.

The Instagram post featured him and teammate Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera embracing Lyon, with the caption, “Sorry Caro (Wilson) but we love Ross”.

Hill also tagged teammates Wanganeen-Milera, Liam Ryan, Liam Henry, Lance Collard, Isaac Keeler, and Marcus Windhager in the post.

Lyon has been coaching in the AFL for nearly two decades and took over as St Kilda’s head coach in 2023.

Currently, the club is positioned 12th on the AFL ladder, boasting three victories this season, with their next match against Carlton on Saturday night.