AFL Hall of Fame Inductee Garry Lyon (left) accepts his certificate from AFL chairman Richard Goyder at the Australian Football Hall of Fame ceremony.
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CON CHRONIS
Kyabram’s very own footballing icon has been immortalised.
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Garry Lyon, a five-time All-Australian, legendary Melbourne skipper and trusted media voice, was inducted into the AFL Hall of Fame on Tuesday, June 10.
Eight new inductees joined an illustrious list of hall of fame figures and the last name read out on the night at Melbourne’s Crown Palladium was none other than the former Demons forward.
Lyon was recruited from Kyabram Football Club as a schoolboy and debuted in 1986 with Melbourne Football Club.
From there, the rest is history.
The Bomber turned Demon went on to have a long and successful career in the VFL/AFL, kicking 426 goals in 226 games during his 14-year tenure.
Upon reflection of the hall of fame ceremony, Lyon was thankful to be surrounded by his loved ones and was humbled to be included amongst the greatest players the AFL has ever seen.
“We had a great night, I’m always told it’s the best footy night on the calendar and I had my mum and dad, all my brothers and sisters, my three sons and a few of my close mates there with me which made it that bit more memorable,” he said.
“You look around the room and see some pretty important and significant footy figures there, so it was a great thrill and an even greater honour.
“It was a very humbling experience, you never get ahead of yourself in this great game, you never think that you are better than you are.
“To get into a room like that you get yourself put right back in your place when Leigh Matthews walks past you along with the greatest names in our game’s history.”
As part of his induction into the Hall of Fame, the AFL put together a highlights package of Lyon’s career with long-time friend and former Melbourne teammate Todd Viney speaking.
Garry Lyon’s (right) illustrious football career began in Kyabram.
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“To sit back and watch the highlights of my career was great but to have your own peers like Todd Viney talk in such terms was pretty special,” Lyon said.
“It was nice to have a little walk down memory lane and remind myself that I could get a kick every now and then.”
Since retiring, Lyon has embarked on a distinguished media journey that has spanned radio, print and television, which has only furthered his reputation as an AFL great.
In short, he has been a fine advocate for the sport.
Lyon’s induction into the AFL Hall of Fame is a just reward for half-a-century spent in the game — and it all kicked off at Kyabram.
He was born in Devonport, Tasmania, but moved to the Goulburn Valley with his family during his early years and settled on Kyabram as his new home.
Lyon said that little town would always hold a special place in his heart as it was the beginning of his storied career.
Above all else, Lyon chalked up his success not to talent, physicality or even skill - but to sheer hardwork and the drive to succeed.
“I love Kyabram, it is a big part of my footy journey because that’s where it all started,” he said.
“It doesn’t matter where you come from or how big or small you are or what position you play, footy can present you with all these wonderful opportunities if you’re willing to work hard.
“Someone said to me that it isn’t luck that got you into the Hall of Fame, you’re in there for more than just talent, trust me there are a lot more talented footballers than me, they perhaps just didn’t work as hard.
“That’s the main thing for anyone looking to get there, if you work hard on your craft and enjoy it, footy can take you anywhere.”
