The senior coach was asked on 6PR’s Sports Today how much of a say he has in decisions pertaining to the club’s list.
Fremantle began a list model strategy in 2008 that saw the club keep its early draft picks and take ‘free swings’ at uncontracted players in the pre-season drafts.
“They put a lot of resources into that, their development academy,” Lyon said.
“Taking on the kids, they’ve got to really pump up the development, hence (senior development coach) Simon Lloyd and four coaches and lots of footy IT.
“I’ve just come in and witnessed that and been supportive of that.”
A candid Lyon said, as senior coach, he needed to be across everything, but that he was just one voice among many in the process behind bringing a player to the club.
“The only time I’ll buy in is when they’ll ask me, ‘what do you think the needs are on the list’,” he said.
“You don’t have to be a genius to work out we’d like some power forwards and some young key backs coming through to replace (Luke) McPharlin.”
Lyon revealed his part in the club’s recruiting department, which is headed by general manager of player management, Brad Lloyd.
“(The recruiters) will look at everyone in the system, uncontracted, free agency, and they’ll put everything together,” he said.
“I’ll be asked my opinion on that player, as will all the other coaches.
“The list management will make a final decision and we’ll be fully informed.
“No one is empowered to make the decision and act on their own, I’m just one piece of the puzzle.
“My opinion would have some weight, but I’m not able to dictate.”
While the recruiting process involved many, Lyon was well aware whom the spotlight was shone on, albeit unfairly, if a decision did not work out.
“When things go bad, everything gets seeded home to the senior coach,” he said.
“At the end of the day, when injuries and losses are mounting, and recruits aren’t coming on, the senior coach wears that.
“But we all know, underneath that, he’s not responsible for selections and development and injuries.”
