Australia will host Ireland in a one-off Test at Patersons Stadium on Saturday 22 November.
AFL general manager of football operation Mark Evans and dual premiership coach Clarkson approached Lyon for the role.
The Freo senior coach’s queries were what support there would be and how seriously it was being taken.
Last year’s Indigenous All Stars team was blown away by the Irish, losing the series 2-0 and 173-72 on aggregate.
It featured players that Evans admitted weren’t even getting a regular game for their club sides.
The answer to Lyon’s question was the AFL was taking this year’s series very seriously, with only players who have been All Australian or are named All Australian in 2014 eligible for selection.
That’s all Lyon needed to hear.
“It’s an Australian team, so that fact that there’ll be the caliber of the players already mentioned and a serious All Australian team, it was a real incentive for me as a coach to work with that quality of athlete,” Lyon said.
“Particularly Alastair, as a dual premiership coach, to get the opportunity to work with him and be in an elite environment.”
Lyon said a number of other factors were also involved.
“The fact that it was a one-off test in Perth, where the support for the Australian team historically, I think they’ve had crowds upwards of 40,000,” he said.
“For me, an opportunity to contribute back to the game and get outside of club land, I think, will be great for my personal growth and a wonderful opportunity to enjoy a unique experience.
“When I put all that together, it was an easy decision.”
Tickets for the game went on sale on Wednesday 16 July through Ticketmaster, with Evans advising 10 per cent of seats had already been snapped up.
Tickets can be purchased HERE
