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Australian Rules > Cats will be a major challenge - Lyon
June 23, 2010

St Kilda coach Ross Lyon says very few people outside his AFL club will give them a chance against Geelong on Friday night.

The grand final re-match at the MCG will attract a massive crowd and it will be a major challenge for the Saints.

Geelong remain the top side but St Kilda have been impressive, holding second spot despite Nick Riewoldt's ongoing absence.

"We're 9-3, but we haven't been as convincing, there's no doubt about that," Lyon said.

"Everyone sees Geelong as the benchmark team, the premiership team and we're all still chasing them.

"Last year, there was a view we may (have) caught up, but I don't think anyone thinks that now.

"Everyone thinks we're going to have a really red-hot go and compete, but I'm not sure anyone thinks we can beat them, bar ourselves.

"Everyone was tipping they might slide, they've really put a sign up saying 'we're here and we're here to stay for a while' - it's still the biggest challenge in football."

Lyon has played down the significance of the match, the first time the two teams have played since Geelong's 12-point win in their epic grand final last September.

"There's no point to prove, because there's no cup at stake - it's just another four points we're trying to bank," he said.

"We're on nine wins, 12 will get you to top eight and from there you re-assess and see if you can aim for top four.

"Our aim is to improve our football at all times."

Lyon added Riewoldt had provided a big morale boost this week with his return to team training.

Riewoldt has been out since round three because of hamstring tendon surgery.

Lyon said the key forward would return in the next one to three weeks.
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