Tessa Lee, Sports journalist reporting on global leagues since 2021.
Ross Lyon says St Kilda cannot afford to let its AFL finals hopes slip as the Saints prepare to face Essendon at Marvel Stadium on Sunday. St Kilda returns from its mid-season bye sitting 13th on the ladder with a 6 wins and 9 losses record, one and a half games outside the top 10 and the new wildcard finals positions. Lyon believes his side has shown clear improvement this season but knows victories must follow if the Saints are to remain in finals contention.
Saints searching for consistency
Despite sitting outside the finals positions, Lyon believes St Kilda's performances have been more competitive than the ladder suggests.
The coach pointed to the Saints' recent loss to the Western Bulldogs, where they generated plenty of attacking opportunities but failed to convert their dominance into scoreboard pressure.
"We had enough territory, possession and opportunity, and we just weren't good enough to take it," Lyon said.
"We're frustrated. Six and nine is not where we want to be."
Lyon added that a deeper analysis of the season shows encouraging signs despite the results.
"There has been a lot of competitive footy."
However, the Saints are still searching for a breakthrough win against a team currently above them on the AFL ladder.
Lyon wary of improving Bombers
Essendon enters the contest at the bottom of the ladder and is still searching for its first win under interim coach Dean Solomon.
Despite that record, Lyon warned the Saints against underestimating their opponents.
He noted the Bombers have made significant defensive improvements since Solomon took over and have welcomed several players back into the lineup.
"It is going to be a challenge without a couple of ours," Lyon said.
"But we have real opportunity. It would be remiss of us if we dropped away in any form from here."
St Kilda will also be without key players Jack Sinclair, who has been ruled out for the remainder of the season, and Tom De Koning, who is sidelined with broken ribs.
Phillipou returns after VFL stint
Young midfielder Mattaes Phillipou returns to the senior side after spending time in the VFL.
The Saints opted to send Phillipou back to regain confidence and rediscover his best midfield form.
Lyon said the decision was designed to reset the talented youngster rather than punish him.
"He needed a circuit breaker. We have full faith in him," Lyon said.
The coach praised Phillipou's work ethic and believes the midfielder can quickly return to the level that earned him strong performances earlier in his career.
St Kilda will be hoping his return provides added energy as the club attempts to reignite its finals campaign.
Finals hopes still alive
With the AFL's new wildcard finals system keeping more clubs in contention, St Kilda remains within striking distance despite its losing record.
The Saints know a victory over Essendon would provide an important platform heading into the closing rounds of the season.
While Lyon acknowledged there is still work to do, he believes his side has shown enough improvement to remain firmly in the race for a postseason berth.
