Comments on: Magpies get Ball to end weeks of agony

By: Searly

Searly — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 01:29:30 +0000

I think the main problem with Lyon’s approach is that, ultimately Ball was always going to leave St Kilda, especially since he knew he would always get picked up by another club in the draft if that was what it came to. So all that Lyon’s bloody-mindedness has achieved is that St Kilda missed out on the draft picks or players that Collingwood were offering in trade week. They effectively gave away a valuable asset for free!

Mind you, as a Pies fan I can’t say I’m complaining! More freebies for us I say!!!

By: Redb

Redb — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 00:44:05 +0000

It’s a fair point, Lyon does run the risk of being too hard. I just dont think Luke Ball is consistently good enough atthe big dollar elite level. Clearly the Saints offered him much less than his $500K per year.

I liked his post GF comments, that set the tone. From bitter disappointment comes steely resolve I expect St Kilda to do an Essendon (2000) and win in 2010. They dominated teams thru 2009 and just missed a flag by a kick or two. if they dont do it next year they probably will miss the window.

Can’t wait for 2010 we have some revenge to exact on Adelaide in particular.

Redb

By: Richard

Richard — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 00:30:51 +0000

Well of course you’re right and I quite agree that, if the Saints win in 2010, Lyons will be revered by the fans. The Saints have had a great team with a number of great players for some time now. With those terrific assets, they should have won a premiership by now, maybe a couple. The fans are justifiably disappointed and are still hoping for success. Based on the comments I’ve been reading in the press, however, Luke Ball is held in very high regard both within the club and outside it, for his commitment, leadership, maturity and skills. St Kilda had even offered him a three year contract you remember. I may be wrong, but there does seem to me to be something between he and Lyons which is not constructive. From the outside it would appear that Lyons doesn’t treat other people with respect. His ultimatum, threats if you like, at the end of season function, his treatment of Max Hudghton and of Luke Ball all seem to point to a disregard for other people. As you say, if the Saints wins the premiership, all will be forgotten. My point is, I think his approach may ultimately make winning that premiership less likely.

By: Redb

Redb — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 23:28:15 +0000

I reckon Lyon is fairly bitter after the GF loss, one that probably slipped from their grasp. I dont mind his hard headed approach – Saints fan will love him for it they win the big one in 2010 trust me.

At least he does not accept mediocrity – yeah he’s harsh, but setting a high benchmark never hurt anyone especially if well paid footballers like Luke Ball don’t give everything they’ve got in the tank.

You only have to look at Reiwoldt and the way he plays the game to see what Lyon wants from the entire 22.

Redb

By: Richard

Richard — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 23:14:24 +0000

Good on Luke Ball for persisting with his ambition and having the courage to see it through. If I was a Saints supporter though I’d be a bit uncomfortable with what is beginning to look like Ross Lyon’s bloody mindedness. No doubt you have to provide tough love as a coach if you’re going to get the best out of a group of highly testosteroned charged young men. Lyons has certainly displayed determination to reach the ultimate goal. In the course of the Ball negotiations, however, he has appeared not to have negotiated in good faith, and furthermore, to have shown scant regard for the welfare of his players, preferring instead to perhaps prove a point. If that is the case, it would not create a good atmosphere nor engender loyalty amongst the remaining players. Ultimately it may unravel teamwork and cause failure to reach that ultimate goal. I’d be a bit uncomfortable if I were a Saints supporter.