Gary Lyon has said the questions surrounding a potential retirement for Geelong icon Gary Ablett are "legitimate".
This comes following Nick Riewoldt's remarks about Mick Malthouse's article earlier in the week.
In last Sunday's Herald Sun, Malthouse analysed players that may potentially retire from the game, an article that included names such as Gary Ablett, Lance Franklin and Josh Kennedy.
Riewoldt took fire at Malthouse, slamming the former coach for his comments.
Lyon, however, disagreed with Riewoldt's reaction to the article, stating that he holds zero issue with Malthouse's comments.
“I don’t have a problem with it,” Lyon told SEN Breakfast.
“It shouldn’t be a race to be first, but if you’re legitimately of the opinion that Gary Ablett for instance needs to be put in the conversation, then Mick’s entitled to do that.
“That’s a legitimate question.
“When Gary was signed, it was the triumvirate of the great three (along with Joel Selwood and Patrick Dangerfield) and how far Geelong the premiership.
“And the reality is different so therefore it’s right to question it.
“I think some of it’s been over the top but it’s a very legitimate question to ask.”
Since re-joining the Cats, Ablett has played 12 games, and is averaging 29.2 disposals, 4.6 marks and 4.7 inside 50s, all numbers that are above his career averages.