​​​Tessa Lee, Sports journalist reporting on global leagues since 2021.​

St Kilda veteran Brad Hill has opened up on the “difficult” conversation he had with coach Ross Lyon following a controversial comment made during a Saints training session involving Indigenous players.

Hill spoke publicly for the first time on Channel Seven’s Unfiltered, explaining why he decided to confront Lyon after taking issue with a remark reportedly made during a training drill involving three Indigenous teammates.

The incident emerged last month when journalist Caroline Wilson reported Lyon had said: “I love the brotherboy connection, but we all have to remember we are part of a bigger team here.”

The comment upset several players, including Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera, who joined Hill in meeting with Lyon to explain why they found the language inappropriate.

Hill said Lyon’s own leadership message encouraged him to speak directly with the coach.

“I thought ‘I’ve got to go up to him and have a chat to him and say this is how I wouldn’t like to be spoken to’,” Hill said.

Hill explains emotional meeting with Lyon

Hill admitted the discussion with Lyon was uncomfortable but important, particularly given his role as one of the club’s senior Indigenous leaders.

“It was definitely a little bit difficult,” Hill said.

“Even the other boys, I made sure they came up with me and they were definitely a little bit nervous to go up there.”

According to Hill, Lyon responded emotionally during the meeting and accepted the concerns raised by the players.

“We came in and sat down and Ross was obviously very devastated about what had played out,” Hill said.

“We had an adult conversation about it and said ‘this is what we didn’t accept and we thought you could have used different terms or you could have handled it in a better way’, and he accepted it.”

Wilson previously reported Lyon had apologised to players and even offered to consider his position during discussions with the playing group.

The apology was accepted by the club’s Indigenous players.

Strong relationship remained intact

Despite the controversy, Hill stressed he still maintains enormous respect for Lyon and credited the Saints coach for his impact both professionally and personally.

“I’ve got so much respect for Ross and he’s had probably the biggest impact on my career and my life as well outside of footy,” Hill said.

“I love him and he’s done so much for us and what he does for all the Indigenous boys.”

Hill highlighted Lyon’s ongoing support for Indigenous players, particularly when family or cultural matters arise away from football.

“Whenever we have something on and we need to get back home, he gives the boys as much time as they need,” Hill said.

The pair share a long history together after Hill played under Lyon at Fremantle before reuniting at St Kilda ahead of the 2023 AFL season.

AFL environments changing for Indigenous players

Hill said modern AFL club environments had evolved significantly since he entered the league in 2011 and admitted he likely would not have challenged a senior coach earlier in his career.

“Probably not even five years ago when I first got here, I definitely wouldn’t say anything,” Hill said.

“But I think the relationship I do have with Ross makes it easier to go up and chat to him.”

The experienced winger explained he now sees part of his leadership role as ensuring younger Indigenous players feel supported and safe within the football environment.

“There’s so many young Indigenous boys here, I feel like I have to be the one that stands up for them, the voice,” he said.

Hill said creating culturally safe environments inside AFL clubs remained critical for helping Indigenous players perform both on and off the field.

“I’ve got to support them and that’s how I see myself in my role here as well,” he said.

“I’ll make sure that these boys are supported and they’ve got everything they need to make it easy for them to rock up to training, to play good and just create a safe environment for them.”

AFL focus on Indigenous player welfare continues

The comments come during Sir Doug Nicholls Round preparations, with the AFL continuing to focus heavily on Indigenous representation, inclusion and cultural safety across the competition.

The league recently acknowledged concerns surrounding a decline in Indigenous player numbers at AFL level and announced new initiatives aimed at improving pathways and retention.

Hill’s willingness to publicly discuss the incident has been widely viewed as an example of changing leadership dynamics within AFL clubs and a growing emphasis on open conversations around cultural issues.