Ross Lyon has condemned the treatment of Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera by the media during St Kilda's bye, as the out-of-contract star fuelled rumours with a trip to Adelaide over the weekend. Wanganeen-Milera met with Power duo Jase Burgoyne and Jason Horne-Francis, intensifying reports that he will request a trade home in the upcoming off-season.
"I haven't [spoken to Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera] but he's very close to family at home," Lyon told media on Tuesday.
"What's interesting is the environment over there. He's been doorstopped twice and terrorised twice, which talks to the intensity in Adelaide, like getting stopped at the airport on the bye. It's interesting how a non-story becomes a story."
Wanganeen-Milera has been having a career-best season in his fourth year with the Saints, averaging 28.4 disposals, 3.5 inside 50s and 5.5 score involvements per game. Lyon spoke about making St Kilda great "in the big picture", not just for Nasiah.
"I have no idea [if the media hounding makes a difference in his decision]. For us, it's 'build it and they'll come'. Develop our players, support them, make it a safe environment and at the end of the day we might be good enough to keep them. I'm not losing too much sleep over it."
Lyon also indicated that there is potential for Jack Macrae and Liam Stocker to return from their respective injuries this week as a second clash approaches with the Bulldogs in as many months. Macrae had been sidelined since Round 10 after suffering a punctured lung against West Coast, while Stocker has been out with a foot injury, but both are a test to play on Thursday.
"[Macrae] will train fully today and will be up for selection," Lyon said. "We haven't made any final calls, but we'll have a good look at it. Stocker will train today, same thing.
"Mattaes Phillipou won't play. His injury is on the minor end, we're hoping to get him up but he's a bit sore than we would have hoped. The medical team tell me it's not significant and he should get moving. He's a bit frustrated because he's had a rough stretch but once he gets some continuity in his footy, he's a powerful athlete, so we think he'll be pretty good for us for a long time."
The Saints are welcoming the challenge of the Bulldogs, who thrashed them by 71 points in Round 6, as well as the challenge of Sam Darcy, who could return this week from his knee injury.
"The AFL is full of threats [like Sam Darcy]," Lyon said.
"We'll plan for him but games are generally won and lost in the midfield. You look around the league, a team's form usually aligns with their midfield form. That's no difference to us, when we compete in the midfield and are really competitive, we are able to protect our defence and give forwards opportunity.
"Ultimately, Darcy's outcome and Naughton's outcome will be a product of pressure up the field."
That midfield pressure will undoubtedly be bolstered if Macrae is to return, with the former Bulldog averaging 8.7 clearances and an AFL-best 15.1 contested possessions per game. The Saints take on the Bulldogs on Thursday night at 7:30pm AEST.
