Popular AFL media personality Garry Lyon will make his anticipated return to television screens in 2017.
Lyon will return to Channel Nine in 2017 as co-host of Footy Classified. Lyon’s return was confirmed by Channel Nine colleagues Craig Hutchinson and Damian Barret on their podcast, The Sounding Board.
Lyon has also been linked with Melbourne radio station SEN, but he is not expected to return to his hosting duties on the AFL Footy Show.
The Melbourne Demons legend shocked the AFL world in February when he decided to stand down from all media duties ahead of the 2016 season.
In the wake of Lyon’s announcement, Nine released a statement claiming there was no set timeframe for when he would return to television.
“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,” the statement said.
Lyon’s mental issues reportedly began as a result of a relationship breakdown with long-time friend and Footy Show co-presenter Billy Brownless, according to News Corp.
Lyon was one of the founding members of Footy Classified and featured on the program for the first nine of its ten seasons. His return for season 11 has co-host Hutchinson extremely excited.
“He’s just a brilliant host, and his DNA is in this show,” Hutchinson said.
“He and I worked on Classified sitting in coffees shops ten years ago trying to recruit Caroline Wilson and Wayne Carey at the time.”
Hutchinson believed the show had suffered from Lyon’s absence.
“What the show needs is at least two footy voices, and that was a bit more difficult for the three of us. We all have our different strengths, but none of us have played the game, so it wouldn’t matter what we all thought. No one really cares about my opinions on footy,” Hutchinson said.
“Garry’s a wonderful television talent, I’m not sure the other networks would have known how to use him as well.”
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.
New York Hawk
Guest
Lloyd is excellent, one of the best. He is thoughtful, pulls no punches, admits when he got it wrong and explains clearly why he changes his mind on an issue. This used to frustrate me as I hated him as a player.
Dalgety Carrington
Roar Guru
Isn't Slane a Tiggies tragic?
Pumping Dougie
Guest
Slane, you're a Hawks man aren't you? Many Hawks supporters seem to detest Lloyd for his bump on Sewell - is this colouring your opinion? I don't agree with everything Lloyd says, but I reckon his opinions are fair and reasonable 95% of the time. Especially compared to the likes of hostile-present-my-opinions-as-fact-Caro and who-cares-what-he-thinks- Hutchy.
chris dyson
Guest
woopy dooooo, bring back the footy ah
Slane
Guest
I don’t know where you see evidence that I think you reject someone’s right to have an opinion.(See what I did there?) The reason I'm suprised that you like Lloyd is because his opinion is wrong at least three quarters of the time. It's all well and good to talk about the footy, but it doesn't make somebody 'outstanding' just because they do so. Otherwise The Roar is full of outstanding commentators. Surely the accuracy of what somebody is saying is more important than the subject they are talking about.
Don Freo
Guest
I don't know where you see evidence that I reject someone's right to have an opinion. I might challenge his opinion...but he can have it. His reading of Freo is probably just a brotherly dig. Most Eastern States critics don't know Freo has had 9 first picked players missing most of 2016. They'll be experts after the event next year. If I don't agree with him, I just decide he's not right and listen to the next bit. He talks about footy and always pops the wet blanket on the gossip/"pop psychology" stuff. Anyone that talks about footy is ok by me. It's why I like James Brayshaw too. Talks about the sport.
Slane
Guest
I'm surprised to hear you say that, Don. Lloyd has said multiple times this season that Lyon has been found out and that Freo are 4-5 years away from being competitive.
Don Freo
Guest
Funny...I find him to be confident, natural and fluent.
Don Freo
Guest
Do you want "entertaining"? Why?
Don Freo
Guest
I'd go beyong good. Matty Lloyd is outstanding.
Penster
Roar Guru
A consensual relationship between 2 single adults is a "personal indescretion'? Agree with you re Judd, Lyons is not an exciting presenter.
GD66
Guest
I haven't missed Lyon's contribution to either show at all, I find him awkward and ill-at-ease when talking to camera. I am long gone from watching The Footy Show and I think Hutchy has been serviceable as FC host apart from his infuriating habit of posing a question and then talking all over the answer. Don't bother, Garry.
Floyd Calhoun
Guest
A bit like re-introducing a bass player to Status Quo. Or any band for that matter. Does it really matter?
berrlins
Roar Pro
Loyd has a good football brain but is as entertaining as paint drying. Lyon knows his stuff and brings an element of spark to the show. it's much better off with him.
Pumping Dougie
Guest
Yep - refreshingly honest, prepared to express a view and pretty contemporary.
Cat
Roar Guru
You think Lloyd is good? Seriously? You're not kidding?
Pumping Dougie
Guest
I think it would have been a better move to employ Chris Judd in a permanent role. Irrespective of Lyon's alleged personal indiscretions, what does he offer in football opinion that stimulates our thoughts. Judd and Lloyd are brilliant. Caro is annoying but plays an important role and Hutchy has improved to the point where he's still not great but is okay as host. I don't think the show can afford to have two non-stimulators like Lyon and Hutchy on a 4 team panel.