Melbourne great Garry Lyon has returned fire at Hawthorn’s Jeff Kennett, saying the AFL club president has “bully tendencies”.
Earlier on Thursday, Kennett criticised Lyon for agreeing to help the embattled Demons only for the next few months.
Kennett said Lyon should make either a long-term commitment to his club or butt out.
The Hawks boss also accused Lyon of thinking he was the saviour of the Demons.
Melbourne confirmed on Thursday that Lyon would be a consultant for the rest of the season, liaising between the board and the football department.
“If you’re framing a market on who’s going to shoot their gob off first about this stuff, he’d be $1.01,” Lyon said on Channel Nine’s The Footy Show, where he is a co-presenter.
“I still would have lost 100 grand because he would have been backed off the map.
“Why he feels the need to stick his nose into other clubs is beyond me.
“I don’t know whether people are bluffed or they sit back – he’s got some bully tendencies, Jeff.”
Lyon said Kennett had inherited a strong club when he took over from previous president Ian Dicker and should concentrate on running the Hawks.
Kennett will step down as president at the end of this season.
“I reckon a hell of a lot (of people) at Hawthorn are going to take a deep sigh of relief when he leaves at the end of the year,” Lyon said.
“The thing with Jeffrey about his comments today, he gets personal in relation to me.
“He reckons I’m huffing, puffing, strutting around and saying I’m the kingmaker – there’s nothing further from the truth – so he’s either ignorant, ill-informed or he’s lying.
“We’re not the first club he’s had a crack at and I guess there comes a time when Melbourne have to stand up and defend themselves.
“I’m not copping that from Jeff Kennett.”
Lyon also said again he would not coach Melbourne, even if ailing club president Jim Stynes made a personal plea.
Lyon added he had no say in the sacking of coach Dean Bailey earlier this week or the reappointment of Cameron Schwab as chief executive.
“I’ve never, ever said I’m the saviour of the footy club,” Lyon said.
“The fact is, I’m going to help a mate (Stynes), I don’t know if I’m any good at it or not.”
Lyon had one piece of good news on Thursday night, saying Stynes was feeling better.
The dramas at Melbourne over the weekend clearly affected Stynes’ health and he is back in hospital as he battles cancer.
“He’s had a fantastic day today, which is really good news,” Lyon said.
“He’s lucid, he’s determined to get to the game on the weekend (against Carlton) … he continues to defy.”
Aware
Guest
Kennett is absolutely a bully. Having a go at Melbourne and attributing its soft treatment to a man suffering from cancer- ie Jim Stynes. The worst possible taste and an absolutely disgraceful and immoral act by Kennett. What do you expect from a man who shut down hospital beds to save a bit of cash and line the pockets of his mates in property development?
Richard
Roar Guru
I hate to say it, but I think Jeff is right. The problems at Melbourne, it seems to me, stem from too many individuals, too much meddling and not enough leadership. Garry Lyon may be able to help, but only if he provides leadership. Otherwise he should not get involved. Hasn't he heard the story of the bacon and eggs, and the role of the pig and the chicken? As they say, the chicken is involved but the pig is committed. Seems to me that, right now, Melbourne don't need Garry Lyon if he's going to be just another chicken. They need a few more pigs.
Chris
Guest
I do think Kennett has a point. Lyon is taking the easy option by being a consultant - that way when it gets too hard he can bugger off. And he won't be help accountable for his decisions as they will be framed as "recommendations". I've said it before, but I have more respect for James Brayshaw who has knuckled down and made himself accountable within the structure of his club. Lyon should do the same. p.s. Not that I think Brayshaw is actually up to the job, but that's a whole other topic...:)