Not since Malcolm Blight’s axing as St Kilda coach has there been a bigger coaching shock in Australian Rules Football than Ross Lyon’s move to Fremantle. The rapidness of the coup by Fremantle management would rival Julia Gillard’s move into the Prime Minister’s job.
In watching this unfold and analysing the situation three aspects have stuck with me.
What I will remember from this episode in the great drama of AFL is the clandestine and deceptive conduct, the Fremantle fan reaction, and the callousness of the situation.
So secret was this deal that even James Bond would never have figured out the plans. Ross Lyon negotiated with Fremantle under the noses of St Kilda, Mark Harvey and even his own manger at Elite Sports Properties.
All of this negotiation was done while Lyon was still coaching at St Kilda and Harvey was building for 2012 season.
Both Fremantle and Lyon were able to deceive stakeholders at both football clubs and thrash out a deal that both parties were happy with.
One thing Ross Lyon has to realise is that he is in for a tough ride. Fremantle fans have unleashed a barrage of criticism on the Dockers board through the electronic media in Perth.
Fans of the Dockers liked Mark Harvey and are very wary of the new coach. As much as Lyon’s most difficult job will be to take sceptical players through pre-season, he has to be a good manger of his relationship with the fans.
The board and new coach are in the firing line for their conduct. This job will not be easy for Lyon especially if the club’s form does not improve, as he will have to deal with restless fans that have had their coach removed.
Naturally when a story like this breaks, the attention focused on Ross Lyon and Fremantle’s club officials. What seems to have been missed though is the fact Mark Harvey was out of a job in a matter of minutes without any inclination he was gone.
He was tossed on the scrapheap in a ruthless coup d’état. He is obviously very distressed with the whole situation and is in need of all the support he can get.
Fremantle seem to have moved on quickly from a man who rebuilt the battered club. The Dockers have shown no sympathy towards Harvey and have mercilessly wiped the slate clean without any emotion towards the incumbent.
All three parties still have a lot of talking to do. One thing for sure: St Kilda versus Fremantle next year will be a cracking match.
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