After representing four clubs at Domain Stadium in his coaching and playing career, Ross Lyon says he is most fond of his time coaching Fremantle at the ground.
Lyon recalled thrashings at the hands of the Eagles in his time playing for Fitzroy, as well as games as an assistant coach with Sydney and as the senior coach of St Kilda.
“I remember playing there getting smacked by the Eagles when it was just grass at the other end and everyone sitting on the hill having a few beers,” Lyon said.
“I (remember) when the Swans knocked off the Eagles (in the 2006 Qualifying Final), when Micky (Michael) O’Loughlin (screamed into) the crowd, that was a beauty.
“When the Saints came here back to the wall in 2010 and (Nick) Riewoldt led superbly and the prelim as the Dockers coach.”
Lyon spoke about feeling the nerves coaching his first Fremantle game, played at Domain Stadium against Geelong to start the 2012 season.
Freo prevailed by four points after the Cats led by five at half time.
“It’s been steeped in memories obviously and in my short time, and really six years is a short time,” Lyon said.
“We’ve played some finals and seen the passion of the Dockers fans and signature games from Matthew Pavlich, Nat Fyfe and Luke McPharlin.
“There’s been some great memories that everyone’s experienced there.
“At Fremantle my first game when we knocked over Geelong, and I felt sick in the guts.
“Kepler Bradley was fantastic and Ballantyne and Pavlich’s goal off the ground was pretty special out of the air.”
Lyon said Fremantle's 2013 Preliminary Final win over Sydney was the standout.
“The prelim final was a special moment,” Lyon said.
“At three different clubs I’ve experienced the ground in big games, but I’m really a Docker person.
“This club’s looked after me and wrapped their arms around me, so the most special is the Prelim.”
Lyon said he believes Fremantle fans deserve to enjoy what the new Perth Stadium has to offer.
“It’s been around a while, Domain Stadium, it’s clearly worn out,” Lyon said.
“It’s time for a new facility. When you think how fanatical West Australians are about their football and how passionately they follow both teams, they deserve a world class facility.
"That’s clearly what it’s going to be at the new Perth Stadium.
“I can’t wait to get there and have a look in all seriousness, it will be a special day when it opens I would think.”
