I've read the sustained criticisms of Ross Lyon, in the media and here on Dockerland, with an open mind and, sometimes, I've wondered where it was coming from. He seemed to be clued up at the MCG in 2012 when Pav kicked 6 and knocked Geelong (2011 premiers) out of the finals. And again the next season, reaching the GF. Top four finish in 2014, then minor premiers in 2015, suggested to me that he was probably the best bloke for the job, whatever others thought.
Until now, because this weird man-crush support for a bloke who's now regarded by lots of footy fans, and a number of commentators, as an over-the-hill cheat, while very publicly tearing strips off one his own young, inexperienced players, is just baffling, and seemingly out of character.
So far, Ross has always backed his players no matter what, and shouldered the blame himself. His stubbornness in this regard was admirable.
But I'm not so sure anymore he is the best bloke for the job, and doubt that many of us would be too surprised to find out that he doesn't always have the wholehearted support of all of the playing group. Maybe the older blokes, but not necessarily the younger guys.
