Speaking to Perth’s media on Thursday morning, the Fremantle senior coach supported the AFL’s measures to lower concussion incidents in the game.
“The head is sacrosanct, we all get that,” Lyon said.
“We understand there’s some grey areas. You choose to bump, you want to have a really good technique because as soon as you hit them high, you’re in trouble.”
Star Freo midfielder Nat Fyfe was a perfect example of the AFL’s strong stance on high contact after he was suspended for two weeks for what seemed to be a well-executed bump in round 3.
Unfortunately for Fyfe, he made contact with the head of Gold Coast’s Michael Rischitelli.
Lyon said there were still some “grey areas” with the rule, but the instructions to his players would be clear.
“We would prefer them to not bump,” he said.
“I think the bump is dead, unless you hit it perfectly below the shoulders, you’re going to be in a lot of trouble.”
The Fremantle senior coach said he understood why the AFL has worked so diligently to make the game safer.
“We’re supportive, we all know why the rule’s there,” he said.
“We all want the Auskick kids to play. You’d be happy for your child to play the game, it’s a great game.
“We’re trying to avoid serious injuries and concussion because it’s a serious issue; so therefore, I’m very supportive of the changes.”
Lyon played for Fitzroy and Brisbane from 1985 to 1995 – an era where the bump was considered a normal part of the game.
“I think the laws were that loose (back then), it was quite brutal, quite dangerous,” he said.
“In the end, you play and adapt and do what you need to, but in hindsight it was a bit barbaric, wasn’t it.”
