Garry Lyon has praised Maverick Weller for climbing off the AFL scrapheap and resurrecting his career.
The 27-year-old will debut for Richmond in their season opener against Carlton at the MCG tonight.
Just five months ago, Weller was delisted by St Kilda - who had finished 16th on the AFL ladder - but now finds himself set to run out for one of 2019’s premiership fancies.
It is a story that has delighted former Melbourne captain Lyon.
“You know what this is? This is the greatest advocacy for change,” he said on SEN Breakfast.
“If you’re a player at an AFL club, and you are not getting opportunity, it might be down towards the bottom of the ladder, then put yourself out there.
“See if you can get to a new environment, don’t just stay there and wallow.”
Lyon added: “A bloke couldn’t get a game for St Kilda and he’s going to play with the premiership favourites.
“Don’t stay there and rot on the vine.”
LISTEN TO EVERY SEN AFL GAME ON THE NEW SEN APP!
UPDATE THE APP OR DOWNLOAD TODAY - Apple OR Android
Tim Watson is also a fan of the one-time Gold Coast Sun, who will operate as a small pressure forward for the Tigers.
“They like that type of player. He’s got some power, he’s got some speed,” he said.
“I would love to know what the story was because a couple of seasons ago, when St Kilda had their best season under Alan Richardson, he was one of their better players at half-forward.
“They did this successfully, the Tigers, in their premiership year with Jacob Townsend.
“This bloke (Weller) would be a more powerful, more robust, quicker version of Jacob Townsend.”
Weller has played 121 games during his injury-interrupted eight-season AFL career with both the Suns and the Saints.
