St Kilda’s disappointing start to the 2024 season has sparked scrutiny, with former AFL great Dermott Brereton expressing doubts about coach Ross Lyon’s travel-related excuses. Despite a series of injuries, Lyon has lamented the team’s three consecutive losses, citing the toll of three interstate trips in a short timeframe.
However, Brereton pointed out that Lyon has historically emphasized his team’s resilience and adaptability, regardless of location or schedule. Brereton questioned whether this recent shift in rhetoric indicates a softening of Lyon’s stance, suggesting that the Saints may have received a quiet apology from the AFL over their challenging fixture in the opening six weeks.
While acknowledging the challenges posed by travel, Gerard Healy believes the Saints’ current position is not unexpected, given their injury woes and close losses. Healy highlighted the team’s strong performance against Collingwood earlier in the season, indicating that their potential is still evident.
St Kilda’s upcoming fixture provides some relief, with three of their next four matches scheduled in Melbourne. This will be a welcome change after their recent stretch of interstate travel, which included trips to Geelong, Canberra, and Adelaide. It remains to be seen whether the Saints can regain their momentum and improve their win-loss record in the coming weeks.
