Saints must ‘earn the right’ to play at MCG
According to St Kilda coach Ross Lyon, performance will determine how often his team plays home games at the MCG. Picture: Michael Klein
St Kilda coach Ross Lyon believes the Saints must “earn the right” to request more home games at the MCG through a series of watchable performances.
The Saints, who defeated Fremantle in a dull game at Marvel Stadium last weekend, will host Carlton at the MCG on Friday night.
The annual “Spud’s Game” honours the late, great, and “quintessential St Kilda man” Danny Frawley.
Lyon stated that the Saints wanted to play more games at the MCG, but that they were “not at that level” to make stern demands just yet.
“I’ve been here before, and we put together a great team. We’re trying to build a great team with great performances, and you’ll eventually command it,” he said.
St Kilda hosted a final at the MCG in 2023, Ross Lyon’s first season back at the club. Photograph by Phil Hillyard.
“Show me the reward, and I’ll show you the behaviour, right? We know that the AFL rewards broadcasters, crowds, and outstanding performances.
“You have to earn that right, and that’s what we’re aiming to do; in the end, you can demand it through consistent performance over time.
“We are not at that level, and as a club, we have not been there in a decade. We were under Grant Thomas, and that era was under me; there has been some slippage, but we are clawing our way back up the mountain.”
St Kilda will get a close look at its prized trade target when brilliant Blue Tom De Koning takes the centre bounce on Friday.
Lyon dismissed questions about his players’ comments to De Koning about being a Saint in 2026, calling it a “extraneous” topic that he will not get involved in.
“I am here to talk about St Kilda players and St Kilda performances, I don’t get caught up in the wider issue,” according to him.
Chelsea Frawley promotes the annual event honouring her father. Picture: Morgan Hancock/AFL Photos/via Getty Images
“To be honest, it’s not high on my priority list; I’m too busy preparing for St Kilda’s match against Carlton. I don’t live in the mindset of trying to impress others.
“We just do what we do, and my sole responsibility is to ensure the safety of my players. We coach action, we see potential in it, and we perform for our fans, members, and the Danny Frawley Spud’s Game.
“Extraneous issues sitting outside of that, I understand there’s noise but I haven’t dived into it all year and I don’t think I’ll dive into it now.”
Lyon paid tribute to “Spud” Frawley, saying his qualities are what the Saints strive for every day.
“I really encourage all Saints fans to get there and support ‘Spud’s Game. “I think the entire AFL community supports it; it’s a fantastic venue,” he said.
“Spud was the quintessential St Kilda player; he played with genuine spirit, loved the club, and nothing was too much trouble. He played with passion and great physicality.
“Our goal is to showcase our team’s passion and physicality, but also convey a larger message… You are not alone; do it together, and reach out if you are not okay.”
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