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Fremantle Dockers coach Ross Lyon outraged by claims he's leaving for Collingwood

Published: August 13 2017 - 2:40PM

UPDATED:

Fremantle Dockers coach Ross Lyon has come out swinging at a journalist who claimed Lyon's manager had approached Collingwood to talk about switching clubs.

Sports journalist and commentator Brad Hardie made the claim on Radio 6PR on Saturday following the Dockers' massive loss to the Sydney Swans.

A caller rang in to the radio program and suggested Lyon had approached Collingwood through his manger, alleging that Lyon's heart was no longer in coaching Fremantle.

"I ran that a month ago, yep," Hardie said.

"There was a coach out there that had gone to Collingwood through a third party."

Hardie continued to address the suggestion that Lyon was looking to move back to Melbourne. 

"He's actually not telling a lie saying Collingwood haven't approached him because they never did," he said. "But the question needed to be asked, did someone on behalf of Ross - perhaps Ross didn't do it - but did somebody on behalf of Ross gauge interest in it?"

Lyon was infuriated by the on-air comments.  

"I am bitterly disappointed that such so called journalism even sees the light of day," Lyon said.

"I have contacted Brad Hardie directly and voiced my disgust at his comments.

"They are totally without foundation and not based on fact in anyway, shape or form.

"Such an erroneous and reckless claim should be exposed for what it is – a complete fabrication and a falsehood.

Today's team having a pre game meeting (errr lunch) Join @shanemcinnes, @drewmorphett & Brad Hardie from 11:30 for #AFLSwansFreo on 882 6PR pic.twitter.com/RhLM67YFDZ

"It is also important for our members and supporters to know that I couldn't be more be committed to what we are trying to achieve as a club at the Fremantle Dockers.

"I can assure our members and supporters that I am totally focused on returning the club to sustained finals success."

On 6PR- "Ross Lyon approached Collingwood about Buckley's role, but it was rejected by Magpies."

Fremantle CEO Steve Rosich said the claims made by Hardie, who writes for Fairfax Media, were spurious. 

"Our club has a policy of not responding to rumour and innuendo, however in this case, because the report is utterly false and personal in nature, we felt compelled as a club to issue today's statement," Mr Rosich said.

"Ross is contracted to the club through to the end of the 2020 season and has made it very clear that he is firmly committed to his role as senior coach of the Fremantle Football Club.

"His sole focus is on returning the team to a pathway of sustained finals success.

"Ross' application and dedication to what we are trying to achieve as a club has not wavered and can not be questioned."

Hardie's claims gained traction because of the way Lyon left St Kilda to join Fremantle at the end of 2011.

The Dockers sensationally axed then-Dockers coach Mark Harvey in order to lure Lyon their way.

The Saints were left stunned by Lyon's defection, and the senior coach copped widespread criticism over the move.

But he has since established himself as Fremantle's most successful coach, guiding the club to a grand final in 2013.

"That's flattering, but unrealistic" - Ross Lyon has ruled himself out as a nominee for the Collingwood coaching job. #9FootyClassified pic.twitter.com/2lQJZXZPY7

Fremantle are currently in the second year of a rebuild after their premiership window shut abruptly early last season.

They sit in 14th spot with an 8-12 record.

The Dockers put in one of their worst performances of the year on Saturday in a 104-point loss to Sydney at the SCG.

But they have been largely competitive in most games this season, even pushing heavyweights Geelong and GWS all the way in recent months.

- with AAP

This story was found at: http://www.watoday.com.au/afl/fremantle-dockers/fremantle-dockers-coach-ross-lyon-outraged-by-claims-hes-leaving-for-collingwood-20170813-gxv4ti.html