It’s always difficult to speculate on where a recently sacked coach may end up, if anywhere at all, particularly when you think it could be at a club that already has a coach – but Ross Lyon would be a perfect fit for GWS.
The biggest concern for Greater Western Sydney is their ability to tough out a game and, for that matter, a season. However, while the Giants have had some really solid wins this season – beating Geelong at GMHBA Stadium is no walk in the park – too many times this season they’ve been beaten in matches they just shouldn’t lose.
Think of the following losses: Fremantle at home, Hawthorn twice and Essendon at Marvel Stadium after they held a good lead late in the game. Add to that the manner in which they’ve lost a couple of those games – conceding the last nine goals of the match halfway through the third quarter against the Bulldogs and kicking their lowest-ever score against the Hawks in the snow – and some worrying trends are starting to emerge.
Leon Cameron has done a good job, but the reality is that he hasn’t been able to take a list that most feel should have won a premiership by now or at the very least made the grand final to the ultimate prize. I understand that injuries have contributed, but there’s still enough talent there to overcome those injuries.
GWS seem to have the necessary skill and talent on their list, but the mental toughness is clearly missing.
That’s where Ross Lyon comes into consideration. Lyon is renowned for taking well-established teams to the top of the table. He did it with a ready-made list at St Kilda and also took Fremantle to the minor premiership.
I acknowledge he hasn’t yet tasted the ultimate success, but neither St Kilda nor Fremantle had the depth of talent that GWS have at their disposal, which could be enough for Lyon to finally take that next step. There’s no doubt Ross would also instil the hardness within the group it’s sorely lacking at present.
GWS need to make a hard call to avoid potentially going down as the greatest underachievers of the century by missing out on a premiership. They’re not going to get back the draft concessions they had earlier in the side’s history, so it’s time for them to be bold and make a tough call on the coach.
It’s time for Ross Lyon.
Goalsonly
Roar Rookie
Given the reluctance of the Media to speculate on potential coaches in any meaningful way....... I swear sometimes you'd think that a footy coach was a rare thing or some mysterious wizard that can only be found on top of a mountain. (Why don't they back in their favorite assistants? Or is that a bridge too far for our speculating experts?) ..... anyways... it's nice to know Ross Lyon is available.
asd
Guest
Are you a joker card
Big AL
Roar Rookie
No need to be like that Jack. How about providing some meaningful comments to support your thoughts.
Jack Smith
Guest
Your a drongo
Tony
Guest
Big AL raises from good points. Hope to hear from him after the finals series
Woof
Roar Rookie
Good thought, could be worth a try. People talk about underachieving teams (Demons, Crows etc.) and in reality, given their list, the Giants ought to be in that mix. They have consistently succeeded at achieving the top rung of mediocrity. With the Giants' talent I don't think we'd see '8 goal' Ross every week.
anon
Roar Pro
We'll see how GWS goes trying to win games by kicking 9 goals.
Liam Clark
Roar Guru
It would be interesting to see how Cameron goes until his contract runs out, but Lyon could do something special with the team if given the chance, as he has a good record. However, the one thing that Lyon has not been able to acquire is a premiership
Maxine
Guest
Actually,the more one thinks about it Ross Lyon would be perfect for GWS. Really good article.
Boo
Guest
How could any club want Ross Lyon as coach? His game plan is outdated and his Achilles heel is an inability to develop an attacking forward line.The Giants should be the last team he goes too.Why would anyone in Sydney want to watch Lyons rolling low scoring maul compared to NRL.
Cracka
Roar Rookie
100% agree with you Big Al, it may be the opportunity that GWS needs to get them a premiership or 2. Great article.
Kaitlyn
Guest
Interesting thoughts, well articulated, brilliant.
Jack A
Guest
Cameron’s contract expires at the end of 2020 so it’s only a 1 year payout if they pulled the trigger now. The Giants would be mad if they didn’t seriously consider Lyon, if not now, then in 12 months time.
Seymorebutts
Guest
It hadnt even crossed my mind actually but now that you mention it that sounds like a good idea. A bit like when West Coast signed Mick Malthouse in 1990. They were a young ,skillful at times dynamic side who could play champagne football on occasion but could also be dominated physically by the tough old Victorian sides, especially in Melbourne. They needed someone to toughen them up... thats exactly what Mick did. Two flags, three grand finals... finals and another 7 years of finals... they had the best record in the 1990's despite what North fans might think. Giants could do a lot worse and not much better so they should definitely ask him to send them a CV. ;-)
PeteB
Roar Rookie
Maybe. He seems to go well with a mature list but must get success within 3 years because he’s not much good at renewal and his message and game plan has a short life span.
Elise
Guest
Spot on ????????
Josh
Guest
Good call