Fremantle coach Ross Lyon has spoken about his situation.
The Herald Sun has reported the Dockers have referred a second complaint to the AFL’s integrity unit, about an alleged altercation involving Lyon at a Fremantle bar.
It is a separate incident to the one involving a former junior Dockers staff member who alleges Lyon harassed her at a club function years ago.
“I understand there is a lot of hurt occurring to our club, members, partners and the wider AFL,” the coach said.
“In particular my family, the complainant, and other people with the allegations being aired.
“This really saddens me and I’m really sorry to see this.
“However, I’m not in a position to comment any further on this matter due to strict privacy that was requested by all parties.
“Regarding the second allegations that were aired last night, there has been no compliant lodged and I encourage anyone who is aggrieved to go through the AFL integrity unit or any official authority where it is appropriate, as this is fair for all concerned.
“I hold no fears.
“This is important as I’ve built a strong reputation over 22 years of coaching in the AFL that I am proud of and I will continue to protect it.
“It saddens me, not for myself in particular, but for everyone involved and everyone who has been drawn in.
“It’s a really difficult situation but at no stage have I questioned my coaching and commitment to this club.”
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Dockers president Dale Alcock also reinforced the club’s statement earlier today, which said Lyon will remain coach.
"Ross is our coach and when asked if we contemplated any change to that, my answer was no," he said.
“We are committed to Ross.
"Ross has never been more focused than he is this season."
Alcock also apologised for any extra duress the woman involved in the situation has suffered.
CEO Steve Rosich explained how the club is undergoing training with all staff in relation to the respect and responsibility policy, to try and prevent these matters.
When asked if he thinks more incidents will come to light, Lyon backed himself.
“I can only talk to the issues and allegations at hand,” he said.
“I can’t extrapolate out to the future and I don’t think it’s appropriate.
“My reputation over 22 years has been hard fought and hard earned, but again, it applies to anyone in the AFL, any dealing with any AFL club, any dealing with our club.
“If you feel aggrieved, there are processes and authorities to go to, so we would encourage that.
“I’ve coached for 22 years, 12 as a senior coach, and I stand by my record.”
Lyon also expressed his feelings towards the playing group, saying it’s sad they have to sit through this situation.
However, he doesn’t think it will present as a major on-field distraction.
“They’re part of the Fremantle Dockers football club that I care about and I’m invested in heavily,” Lyon said of the players.
“I suppose you get rewarded for your investment in your people and your players.
“At all times, I’m trying to deliver for them.
“It’s part of the sadness that they’re sitting in this type of press conference. My part is to dig in and focus on the job at hand.
“We talk about it and lots of people have a lot of things going on in their lives at different degrees.
“It’s a high performance industry, and you need to use whatever you’re feeling to focus on what’s important and that’s action, and deliver on your role.
“What’s normal is it’s really tough, but high performance teams and industries have an ability to focus, and I think I’ve proven that over a long period of time.
“My job is to double down and focus.
“The feedback that we continually seek is that I’m doing that, so I aim to continue to do that.”
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