The 44-year-old father of three will replace Mark Harvey, who was told yesterday that he would not continue as senior coach of Fremantle in 2012.
Lyon has been the senior coach for the past five seasons at St Kilda, where in 121 games he took the Saints to four finals’ series and three grand finals in two years (including the 2010 drawn grand final).
At 63 per cent, Lyon has the highest winning percentage of any current AFL coach who has coached for more than one year.
His tenure at St Kilda followed assistant coaching roles at Sydney (2004-2006), Carlton (2000-2003) and Richmond (1996-1999).
As a player, Lyon notched up 127 games with Fitzroy over 10 years before a knee injury ending his career in 1995 after a further two games for Brisbane.
Fremantle president Steve Harris said that Lyon, an experienced and proven senior coach with a track record of success, was the “right fit culturally for the club”.
“Ross’s professional attributes and coaching style are founded on a demanding worth ethic highlighted by his professionalism, diligence and a ruthless will to win,” Harris said.
“It is clear that Ross can deliver a consistent and successful game style while at the same time continue to build the culture of our playing group.
“Despite the disquiet caused by our decision to end Mark Harvey’s tenure at Fremantle, we believe it was the right decision in the long-term interests to appoint Ross to take over as a senior coach of the club.
“We expect under Ross’s guidance to execute a well-planned pre-season that will lay the foundation for a playing group that is consistent, driven and competitive throughout the entire home and away season and plays finals in 2012.”
