Lyons hits back at critics

Fremantle coach Ross Lyon has hit back at reports suggesting his coaching style burns players out.

Lyon's coaching style has come under fire in recent days, after St Kilda veteran Leigh Montagna claimed Lyon can wear players down.

“It can wear down some. It depends on the personality,” Montagna said of Lyon's coaching style.

“No doubt Ross is a ruthless, demanding coach, but he’s also a great coach that cares for his players and has a high level of respect.

“Some players do struggle with him, if you can’t handle that type of coach. But the majority do and the majority respond really strongly to his coaching.”

However, Lyon said on Thursday that reports of players unrest at the Dockers are completely untrue.

"There's players on this list that describe me as a father figure," Lyon said.

"So if you think my behaviour with those players can be so disparate from other players, I think you're living in gaga land.

"All I know is the teams I've coached – and you can only go on how they give effort – if what you were saying was true, it's impossible to give the effort and play consistent footy year after year like they do.

"Anyone who thinks that I would treat players any differently – it's naive at best, mischievous at worst."

After winning the minor premiership last season, Freamantle has managed just three wins so far this season and currently sit 16th on the ladder.