Following Fremantle’s 54-point victory against the Western Bulldogs at Optus Stadium on Saturday night, senior coach Ross Lyon spoke of the importance of putting the result into perspective with many people at the club and in the WA Football community going through a difficult period.
Lyon began his post-match media conference with a statement to recognise the late Shane Yarran, who played six games for Fremantle in 2016.
“I’d like to open with saying it’s been a difficult 24 hours for our football club and West Australian football,” Lyon said.
“We really want to acknowledge the Yarran family and the passing of Shane Yarran and put that win in context tonight.
“It was a difficult night, particularly for our Noongyar and Aboriginal players.
“It has been quite sobering to come here today. It highlights how fragile things can be.
“We’re not machines and there were some people feeling it tonight and we just want to respect the Yarran family’s privacy tonight as well.”
While every win is important, Lyon said that Saturday night’s performance was especially so considering the circumstances.
“For our members and fans…it was important tonight that we played well,” Lyon said.
“(We had to) get on with the game which I think we did, but that acknowledgement is critical.”
