Advertisement

Lyon roars at Colin Sylvia

Sylvia, in his Dockers days, left the AFL in 2014. Photo: AAP

Sylvia, in his Dockers days, left the AFL in 2014. Photo: AAP Photo: AAP

Fremantle coach Ross Lyon has launched a stunning broadside at Colin Sylvia, who has been banished to train with WAFL club Peel Thunder.

Sylvia arrived at Fremantle at the end of 2013 on a three-year deal reported to be worth more than a million dollars.

But the former Melbourne player, who was taken with pick three in the 2003 National Draft, played just six games for the Dockers in 2014.

AFL draft: how did your club fare? 
Dank: AFL, ASADA ‘constructed’ story

Lyon pulled no punches in a video on AFL.com.au, saying the 29-year-old had “enjoyed himself immensely” over the Christmas break.

“He didn’t complete the first time trial when he first arrived and 12 months later, off the eight-week break – well he completed it – but at the bottom end of the list. And then post-Christmas was unable to complete it,’” Lyon said.

“By his own admission, over Christmas, he didn’t run and really enjoyed himself immensely over the break and came back in really poor condition.

“Possibility and aspiration is brought to life by backing it up with hard work and actions, so if you don’t back it up you’re just a day dreamer.

“You don’t wake up one morning and say, ‘Oh my god, how did this happen?’ You’re very clear about the reasons why, over a long period of time.”

Lyon said the Dockers, who also recruited injury-plagued Essendon big man Scott Gumbleton at the same time as Sylvia, would investigate the failings of their list team.

“The first option is for us as a club is to go back and review and look at all our processes and investigations and identification and decision making,” he said.

“Because it’s such an important aspect of building your list that you need to get it right.”

Lyon said the door was not closed on Sylvia returning to the club.

“It’s up to Col, really, when he’s back, there’s no time frame on it,” he said.

Advertisement
Stay informed, daily
A FREE subscription to The New Daily arrives every morning and evening.
The New Daily is a trusted source of national news and information and is provided free for all Australians. Read our editorial charter.
Copyright © 2024 The New Daily.
All rights reserved.