Brilliant small forward Michael Walters, who led the club’s goal kicking in 2013, requires surgery for an ankle injury.
The club won’t know how long he is out for until after his surgery and recovery phase are completed.
Walters to undergo surgery on injured ankle
Lyon said Walters’ loss was not ideal but that the team had to move on.
“One falls over… you’re not a slave to them in your game plan,” he said.
“It’s about all our small forwards, we’ve got a spread of goal kickers.
“The top teams average nine to 10 (goal kickers) a week and that’s what you need.
“We’ve got plenty of young guys looking for opportunities.”
Lyon said Walters would go in for his surgery on Thursday, but he had no idea how long he’d be out for.
“It’s a long rehab,” he said
“Let’s assume he wont play again this year, and if he does, it’s a bonus.”
Despite Sydney’s 1-3 start to the season, Lyon said his side faced a “massive challenge” against a really good team on Saturday.
Freo preparing for Sydney’s best
He identified a strong start as a key.
“Good teams starts well,” he said.
“We want to be a good team, we need to start consistently well.”
