Thompson took over the reins at the Bombers after senior coach James Hird was suspended for a year for his part in the supplements scandal.
The 2014 ‘Dons’ have impressed with comfortable wins over North Melbourne and Carlton, and a thrilling defeat against 2013 premiers Hawthorn.
Lyon told 6PR’s Sports Today the Bombers had “a bit of Geelong” in the way they’ve gone about it.
Stats show Bomber’s Bombers play like Bomber’s Cats
“(They) keep moving the ball, as opposed to going with your legs the whole time, so (a lot of) hands and foot,” he said.
“Their decision-making was fantastic (against Carlton), they spread the ball really well.”
Lyon coached some epic battles as St Kilda’s boss against Thompson’s legendary Geelong side towards the end of last decade, including one of the great Grand Finals in 2009.
He labelled Thompson a super coach and lauded his work at Essendon.
“When you’ve been to his levels and achieved what he has, I’ve got nothing but admiration for the program he’s put together and, now, what he’s delivering,” he said.
Lyon said Essendon had a very talented list that would test his troops at Patersons Stadium this Sunday.
“When you analyse their list, they’ve got more first round draft picks, bar the expansion teams,” he said.
“It’s been built over a long period of time. They look big and strong and fit, and they’re really well drilled.
“It’s a good challenge, but one we’re pretty keen to accept.”
