Veteran coach Ross Lyon will go into the 2025 season with a little bit less pressure on his shoulders after St Kilda extended his contract to keep him at the club until the end of the 2027 season.
In a statement released by the club on Wednesday, club president Andrew Bassat said the move had been made to ensure “stability in leadership”.
Lyon, 58, will start his third season in charge in his second stint at the Saints after being lured to return as Brett Ratten’s replacement following the 2022 AFL season.
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The coach, who has never won a premiership but is considered one of the most tactically astute in the league, has since overseen a rebuild of the list, with the one-year extension designed to give him some breathing space to turn potential into results.
St Kilda coach Ross Lyon looks on during a match simulation against Carlton last month. via Getty Images
“We have made strong progress on our planned build towards contention since Ross rejoined us,” Bassat said in a club statement announcing the news.
“We have transformed from one of the oldest lists in the competition to one of the youngest through considered list management, bolstered our development and analytic capabilities, gotten more games into players under 21 than almost any other team, assembled an enviable coaching panel, and streamlined many day-to-day processes.
“We are striving across all areas to not only meet best practice but to be best in class.”
The Saints start the 2025 campaign with a round one visit to Adelaide to meet the Crows this Sunday.
After playing finals in his first year back in charge, with a sixth place finish in 2023, St Kilda went backwards last season, finishing two wins out of the eight in 12th.
Lyon said he was invigorated and ready to lead the Saints back into contention in 2025 and beyond.
I’m as passionate about coaching and bringing this club success as I was on the first day I walked through the doors over 15 years ago,” Lyon said.
“Holding the position of senior coach is a privilege I don’t take lightly. It is my responsibility to make those around me not only better but great, so that we as a collective can realise our club’s potential.
“We will leave no stone unturned over the next three years to ensure we take purposeful, powerful steps towards achieving the ultimate success.”