Garry Lyon stands down from media duties

AFL Footy Show host and Melbourne Demons great Garry Lyon has stood down from media duties at the Nine Network as he battles what has been called a `serious mental health issue.’

Lyon was the subject of a News Corp report, published on Saturday, that claimed he and long-time friend and Footy Show co-presenter Billy Brownless had suffered an irreparable break in their friendship.

While it was not made clear what has caused the rift, the News Corp report suggested that Lyon was under a large amount of stress due to the situation.

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» Garry Lyon’s mental health, and the need for respect
» Lyon stands down from media duties

In the wake of the report Nine issued a statement asking for Lyon’s privacy to be respected as he battled his health woes.

“For several months The Footy Show and Footy Classified co-host has been suffering from a serious mental health condition and he will take time out from all media roles to recover,” read the statement.

“There is no set timeframe as to when he will return to television.”

Lyon was offered the support of Nine management.

“We are all supporting Garry and hope he will be back to good health very soon. Our priority is his wellbeing,” said Managing Director of Nine Melbourne Ian Paterson.

“Garry has our full support. From here on, it’s a private and personal matter and we ask that be respected.”

Lyon played 226 games for the Demons and kicked 426 goals in an illustrious career that saw him named as a half-forward flanker in their Team of the Century.

The Roar encourages all readers who may be suffering from mental illness to seek support from organisations such as Lifeline, Beyond Blue or Headspace.