‘People come out damaged’: Ross Lyon warns of the AFL tribunal’s human toll

Ross Lyon has warned of the human toll inflicted by the AFL’s tribunal system, declaring players caught up in high-profile cases are being placed under “incredibly challenging” stress that can leave lasting damage.

Speaking in Glenelg ahead of St Kilda’s clash with Adelaide on Saturday night, Lyon drew a line between the club’s situation involving young forward Lance Collard and the ongoing controversy surrounding Port Adelaide star Zak Butters and umpire Nick Foot, arguing the process itself is weighing heavily on all involved.

Collard was banned for nine weeks after he was found to have used a homophobic slur in the VFL – a case Lyon described as “delicate” — while Butters has been caught in a separate storm following an alleged verbal exchange with Foot that has prompted wider scrutiny and commentary.

“There’s been a lot of commentary, hasn’t there? A lot of noise,” Lyon said.

“It’s such a lit-up issue — a real firestorm — and I’ve been in the middle of it before. When you’re not across every detail from start to finish, it’s difficult to comment precisely.

“But what I will say is that from clubland, we’re all concerned about our players and the stress they’re put under — and the potential damage to individuals.”

Lyon stopped short of criticising the tribunal directly, but his concern centred on the cumulative impact of the process on players, witnesses and officials who are drawn into prolonged and public scrutiny.

“Whether it’s Collard, Butters, or others pulled into these processes, it’s incredibly challenging,” he said.

“There’s no doubt there’ll be people who come out of it damaged, and that sits really heavily.

“At the end of the day, it’s a game — and we want to look after people.”

The Saints coach confirmed he has been in regular contact with Collard as the club weighs its next move, including a potential appeal, with the young forward’s welfare front of mind.

“I’ve been in contact with Lance pretty much every day. He’s a good young man,” Lyon said.

“There’s a lot to play out there and the club’s in a holding pattern, but we’re supporting him as best we can.”

Asked specifically about Collard’s wellbeing amid the fallout, Lyon pointed to the club’s internal support networks, including its First Nations players, but conceded the situation was far from ideal.

“He’s got great peer support … but clearly it’s challenging. It’s not ideal,” he said.

Lyon also acknowledged the broader ripple effects of tribunal cases, particularly when other players or officials are called upon to provide evidence — a scenario that has emerged in the Butters matter — but declined to be drawn on hypotheticals.

“I don’t deal in hypotheticals. That’s for the AFL and the clubs involved to manage,” he said.

Still, his central message was clear: while accountability remains essential, the system must not lose sight of the individuals at its centre.

That perspective took on added weight as Lyon opened his press conference by addressing the tragic circumstances surrounding Jordan Dawson, whose brother’s body was found after he went missing earlier this week.

“It would be remiss of me, on behalf of the St Kilda Football Club, not to acknowledge that sad and hidden situation at the Adelaide Football Club and for the whole Dawson family,” Lyon said.

“I think the footy community wraps its arms around people in these moments. There’s so much going on in the football world, but it does give you a reminder to put things in perspective, doesn’t it?”

Lyon said the incident reinforced the broader responsibilities clubs carry beyond results and performance, particularly in caring for young players navigating professional pressures and personal hardship.

“Football’s important, but it’s not everything,” he said.

“Particularly for young men, it’s about building great people. That’s why AFL clubs take such a holistic approach — no one looks after their players like AFL clubs do.

“Success without building great young men — I’m not sure that’s truly success.”

St Kilda are hoping to come out of this weekend hoping to complete the South Australian double, having defeated Port Adelaide in the final game of Gather Round on Sunday.

Support is available from Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636, Lifeline on 13 11 14 and MensLine Australia on 1300 78 99 78.

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