St Kilda has confirmed Ross Lyon as their new senior coach, with the 55-year-old returning to the club he left 11 years ago.
Following Brett Ratten's sacking last week, Lyon emerged as the sole candidate in the running to replace the departed coach, with the club confirming their new man for the job on Monday.
The decision came after a 12th-place finish to the season - Ratten's fourth in charge of the club and third without a finals spot - and surprisingly less than 100 days after St Kilda and their now-ex-coach agreed to a new two-year extension.
But a brutal call from the club was confirmed earlier in the month, with the club confirming Lyon's appointment in an email to club stakeholders on Monday morning.
"On behalf of the Board, we are incredibly pleased to be announcing Ross Lyon as our AFL Senior Coach," club President Andrew Bassat said.
"Ross' unwavering pursuit of on and off-field excellence is exactly what we believe we need to take this club forward.
"While his senior coaching record and reputation speaks for itself, Ross has a clear passion for St Kilda and is determined to bring the club and its people long-awaited success."
The Saints have now turned to a familiar name in Lyon, hoping the former St Kilda and Fremantle coach can bring the ruthless edge required to get the best out of a middle-tier squad.
Lyon brings with him 13 years of coaching experience for a return of 172 wins, 128 losses and 5 draws.
"I have always had a strong affinity to the Saints, and it feels incredible to be back here as Senior Coach," Lyon said.
"I have unfinished business with St Kilda and want to play a role in delivering success to the industry's most loyal fans.
"I have been impressed with the vision of Andrew Bassat and Simon Lethlean, and along with Geoff Walsh, I am keen to get to work."
In further consultation with club members, club President Bassat stressed that following the Saints' internal review, Lyon emerged as the "primary target" for the vacant coaching role.
"On behalf of the Board, I would like to announce that Ross Lyon has been appointed as the Senior Coach of our men's AFL program," Bassat said within a member email.
"With more than 35 years' experience in the AFL as a player, coach, analyst and commentator, Ross is one of the most widely respected senior coaches in the competition and brings a breadth of experience to the role.
"We have spent the last 10 days talking extensively to Ross. He has presented to our Board and met multiple times with myself, Simon Lethlean and Geoff Walsh to share his vision for the future of our program.
"Ross emerged from our review as the primary target and it became clear in our discussions that he had the vision and characteristics that we need in our Senior Coach.
"Importantly, Ross shares with you a love and passion for our club and he has a deep desire to see it respected and celebrated."
This is a sad day for the team and its fans. The incompetent head office has made another bad decision — and locked it in for four years. Ross Lyon’s record is not that great. Neither was Brett Rattens. Despite Bassat’s talk about not being content with “mediocrity,” it’s clear that the Saints head off has settled for mediocrity. So, it looks like the Saints will be in the bottom eight for the foreseeable future.