Chris Scott’s team is as good as any at moving the football, and an array of weapons helped them score the second most points in the AFL this season.
Geelong’s attacking potential is gospel, but Lyon said their ability to defend was often glossed over because of their feats with the ball.
“They're an elite defensive team, their ability to press and lock it in is elite,” he said.
“They've been restricting teams to 38 (inside 50) entries, it gets a bit lost.
“It's what good teams do, they play both sides of the ball really well and they compete really well.”
Lyon said Fremantle were also “categorised” as a team with one string to its bow.
“I think we clearly are strong defensively, but our offensive side of the game has been really strong over the past five or six games,” he said.
The senior coach was also quick to downplay Geelong’s incredible record at Simonds Stadium, where they have won 49 of their past 51 games.
“You can draw that anywhere they've gone,” he said.
“Great teams play anywhere and win anywhere.”
Lyon welcomed the challenge his side faced to overcome the Cats and earn a home preliminary final in two weeks.
“Premierships aren't given away lightly, they're coveted, they're highly sought after and people invest a huge amount of time, energy and emotion into it, so you've got to earn the right and you've got to overcome strong challenges,” he said.
“We're playing a really elite team in Victoria. It's a challenge. The great (West Coast) Eagles’ teams went over and overcame all the challenges, so that's our aim.”
