Ross Lyon says he has no regrets over pulling out of the race to be Carlton’s senior coach, despite the team’s hot start to the 2022 season.
Lyon was sounded out by Carlton president Luke Sayers after the club failed to lure legendary former Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson, but withdrew just days after meeting with Sayers.
The 55-year-old’s decision was criticised by Footy Classified host Craig Hutchison, who called it an “error of judgement” and an “own goal and a half” on his podcast, The Sounding Board.
READ MORE: Lyon says AFL shouldn’t allow Hird to coach again
READ MORE: The day Gus turned down a round of golf with Tiger
READ MORE: Nicks responds to Ricciuto’s scathing Crows takedown
Lyon took umbrage with Hutchison’s assessment, suggesting that the veteran journalist didn’t understand the key details of his discussions with Carlton.
“It’s a little bit mischievous because Craig understands that there wasn’t really a process, and I’ll just leave it at that,” he told Nine’s Footy Classified.
“Who’s the other one on the podcast? Between the two of them (Hutchison and leading AFL columnist, Damian Barrett), if they’re enjoying that it’s OK, but that just sums up the podcast.”
Carlton is one of the feel-good stories of the first fortnight, after surprise wins against Richmond and the Western Bulldogs under new senior coach Michael Voss.
Despite the Blues’ early season success, Lyon warned that “one swallow doesn’t make a summer”.
“It’s two good wins, but they could’ve easily lost both, but I’m enjoying seeing what they stand for,” he said.
“I’m honestly relieved in a lot of ways. In one element I thought, ‘yeah I’m in and I’d like to’ and I had those discussions, but deep down I was like, ‘if it goes south…’.
“You’ve got to be mentally sharp and tough and ready for it.
“I haven’t looked back once. I’m enjoying myself, I’m happy, and the environment I see in the AFL and the pressure coaches are under, maybe I was lucky.”
Voss’ Blues will look to make a 3-0 start to a home and away season for the first time since 2012 when they take on the also undefeated Hawthorn on Sunday afternoon.