A lack of leg speed and spread from stoppages were the reasons behind Gold Coast’s decision to delist Jarryd Lyons, according to former Sun Michael Barlow.
Lyons, 26, joined Queensland rivals Brisbane after being let go by the expansion club, despite being under contract and averaging 24.5 disposals in 19 games in 2018.
Barlow says the opportunity to join the Lions on a multi-year contract was an offer too irresistible to turn down for the prolific midfielder.
“A lot of the commentary last year externally was about the need for the Suns to have inside ball-winners and mature players to help Touk Miller and Dave Swallow,” Barlow told SEN Breakfast.
“He found himself in and out of the side last year. I think the opportunity to go to Brisbane was too good to refuse in terms of the length of the contract compared to the frustrations that were happening at the Suns.
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“I do know there were question marks over his leg speed and spread from stoppages, but I’m in the corner of footballers can just play and find the ball – he’s hard and he’s a competitor.
“From my point of view, I found it a bit dumbfounding."
Lyons amassed 26 disposals and seven tackles in Brisbane’s Round 1 44-point win over reigning premiers West Coast last Sunday.
Listen to Michael Barlow's chat on SEN Breakfast with Garry Lyon and Tim Watson in the player below