What happens when three of the AFL’s most highly regarded coaches join forces?
 
Fremantle senior coach Ross Lyon has given an insight into working with four-time premiership coach Alastair Clarkson and premiership coach Chris Scott during the recent International Rules Series.
 
Lyon told 3AW on Thursday night that the coaches were open with each other during the tour of New York and Ireland.
 
He said Clarkson, who was the senior coach on the tour, was particularly willing to share his concepts of the game.
 
“The first thing that jumps out is his hunger to win and his drive,” Lyon said.
 
“He’s really driven…it’s a real habit for him.
 
“He’s adapted a lot of principles out of soccer into AFL football, particularly in attack.
 
“A lot of his vernacular is about shape, width and building the ball up.

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“He’s been cutting edge.”
 
Lyon said Clarkson was a very collaborative coach.
 
“Alastair is quite open,” he said.
 
“Chris Scott and I, as assistant coaches, spent some time together.
 
“There were a lot of late night meetings.”
 
Lyon said despite the coaching group, the tour was unsuccessful after Australia lost to Ireland at Croke Park.
 
“All those credentials but we didn’t get it done…that was disappointing,” he said.
 
“We went there to win.”
 
Lyon said the coaches also discussed rules and the state of the game.