PERTH, AUSTRALIA - MAY 27: Ross Lyon, coach of the Dockers takes questions at the press conference post game during the 2018 AFL round 10 match between the Fremantle Dockers and the North Melbourne Kangaroos at Optus Stadium on May 27, 2018 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Carson/AFL Media/Getty Images)

Ross Lyon has spoken on pulling out of the race to be Carlton coach last year. The former Fremantle and St Kilda coach declared he has "no regrets" about ruling himself out.

Following Carlton's explosive start to season 2022, former Footy Show host Craig Hutchison was critical of Lyon's decision. On his podcast The Sounding Board, Hutchison claimed it was "an error of judgement" and an "own goal and a half".

In response, Lyon claimed Hutchison didn't understand key details in the discussions he had with Carlton.

"It's a little bit mischievous because Craig understands that there wasn't really a process, and I'll just leave it at that," Lyon said on Footy Classified. 

"Who's the other one on the podcast? Between the two of them (Hutchison and leading AFL columnist, Damian Barrett), if they're enjoying that it's OK, but that just sums up the podcast."

Lyon was contacted by Carlton president Luke Sayers about the role late last year. It came after the Blues had made a sensational attempt to lure Alastair Clarkson to the club. When that failed, they turned to Lyon.

While Lyon was thought to be initially interested, just days after meeting Sayers, he ruled himself out. With the Blues starting the season in red hot fashion, Lyon was quick to dampen expectations.

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"It's two good wins, but they could've easily lost both, but I'm enjoying seeing what they stand for," he said.

See Also: Dockers coach ruled out of Western Derby

Elaborating further, he went on to say: "I'm honestly relieved in a lot of ways. In one element I thought, 'yeah I'm in and I'd like to' and I had those discussions, but deep down I was like, 'if it goes south...'

"You've got to be mentally sharp and tough and ready for it. I haven't looked back once."

Despite Lyon's cautiousness, the Blues could be 3-0 this weekend as they take on the in-form Hawthorn on Sunday, in what shapes as a fascinating clash.

New coach Michael Voss has Carlton playing an exciting brand of football. Blues fans will be hoping that they continue their best start to a season since 2012.