Senior coach Ross Lyon has pointed to his playing and coaching experience as a reason for optimism, when asked about the development of the Freo playing list.
Lyon referenced his first draft as coach of Fremantle, in which the club selected five players who would go on to be regular contributors in a successful three year period.
“My first draft here (we selected) Neale, Sutcliffe, Sheridan, Crozier and Spurr,” Lyon said.
“Three of them played in the Grand Final in their second year.
“I blink and now they have around 72 games.”
While Lyon had early success with those five players, he said introducing new players into the team required a diligent approach for the betterment of the player and their football development.
“You don’t want to set kids up to fail,” he said.
“They have to be in some consistency with their football, have some form and come in feeling good about themselves.
“You’re trying to strike a balance with how many, and we saw in round 23 (v Port Adelaide, 2015) how difficult it can get.”
Out of adversity comes opportunity
Lyon was confident that his extensive AFL experience both as a player and a coach has left him with the tools to successfully develop Freo’s playing list.
“All I’ve ever coached with is huge expectations,” he said.
“I’ve seen people sit back over four years, and with their list managers, develop lists and teams.
“With my background, three grand finals, preliminary finals, ten years as an assistant, VFL coach, and ten years playing under great coaches.
“I think I’ve got some capacity to develop this club and this team.
“I’ll certainly back myself in.”
