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Full Noise by SN
“Compromised”: St Kilda coach wants recalibration amid war of words
Andrew Slevison • February 26th, 2026 10:10 am
St Kilda coach Ross Lyon maintains that the AFL draft has been compromised amid a back and forth with Brisbane Lions coach Chris Fagan.
Brisbane’s two-time premiership coach Fagan had a dig at Lyon and the Saints for spending up on players - including what they reportedly paid Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera - describing it as a “danger for the game”.
Lyon hit back by suggesting to AFL.com.au that Fagan was attempting to “weaponise the media”, criticising his counterpart for singling out Saints players.
The Saints coach says he has not spoken privately to Fagan regarding the public exchanges between the pair.
“No, what for? Not at all (do I feel the need),” Lyon said on SEN Breakfast.
“Our CEO (Carl Dilena) responded in kind, but to the wider issue. I took umbrage. I loved the flow-on that St Kilda weaponised the media themselves. But against faceless institutions, not individual players.
“I didn’t enjoy them (the comments). I’ve said my peace. As we know, you can’t talk yourself out of a situation you’ve acted your way into.
“I’ll leave it with him (Fagan).”
Does Lyon feel he is flying the flag for some of the Victorian teams who are trying to compete with the might, power and perceived advantages of some of the interstate clubs via the northern academies?
“No, not really. I know you go down the farm and open a bottle red, maybe you can get a hold of the data set and have a good look and understand it,” said Lyon cheekily to Tim Watson.
“I’m certainly not fighting for any other club. The facts speak for themselves. I’m not dirty on anyone, we certainly don’t personalise it.”
Lyon then painted the situation with a broader brush, maintaining his stance that the draft system in this day and age is completely compromised and not overly fair for equalisation purposes.
He feels the advantages have tipped too far to favour the expansion states and has called for the AFL to recalibrate.
“The AFL is where it is because when it was dying the Commission was set up and they introduced a national draft and a salary cap,” he continued.
“It was adhered to. It wasn’t even distribution of talent. It was set up so talent that was identified to be elite was distributed to the clubs down the bottom of the ladder so they could rise.
“That occurred and that’s why nearly everyone had a run at it, TV rights went through the roof, competitiveness and crowds - but it’s compromised now.
“We understand why because it’s for the expansion and growth of the game, but at some point you’ve got to recalibrate it. I think it’s a nonsense to think that Essendon, Carlton, a lot of Melbourne clubs employ inferior administrators and boards and CEOs.
“I don’t think there can be that big a gap in decision-making, and we know it’s not. But in saying that, the opportunities you get you’ve got to nail, right. You’ve got to nail your drafts.
“The draft was working and sometimes it takes a long period of time if you look at what Richmond and Melbourne did with Martin and Cotchin, and Petracca and Oliver. Then you’ve got to make the right decisions and get the environment and the coaching and the system right.
“There’s a lot of variables but that competitive balance, the operating platform, is up for debate and up for strong debate.”
The Saints take on Essendon in the AAMI Community Series in Ballarat on Saturday afternoon.
They then open their 2026 campaign against Collingwood in Opening Round at the MCG on Sunday night, March 8.
