Since the shock axing of now-ex-St Kilda coach Brett Ratten last week, a potential Ross Lyon return to the helm has been the subject of much speculation.
Lyon coached the Saints from 2007-2011, taking the storied Moorabbin club to 11 finals and three Grand Finals (including the replay of the drawn 2010 Grand Final).
In the time since Lyon departed the club at the end of 2011, it is no secret St Kilda has struggled to find sustained success.
In fact, from 2012-2022, the Saints have played in just two finals, failing to progress past the semi-final stage after the 2010 season.
Further, the club's win percentage dropped from 65% (71-36-3) during Lyon's time in charge to 39% (94-141-2) during the time since, accompanied by a lowly average ladder finish of 12th.
Not one Saint remains from Lyon's 2011 St Kilda side after former captain and defender Jarryn Geary hung up the boots midway through last season.
With there now a head-coaching vacancy at St Kilda, rumours are circling around a potential Ross Lyon return, and if statistics are any indicator, it could be a favourable move for the struggling Saints.
Ross Lyon with St Kilda vs record since his departure
| Coach | Ross Lyon | After Ross Lyon |
| Seasons | 2007-2011 | 2012-2022 |
| Games | 110 | 237 |
| Wins | 71 | 94 |
| Draws | 3 | 2 |
| Losses | 36 | 141 |
| Win Rate | 65% | 39% |
| Avg Ladder Finish | 5th | 12th |
| Finals | 10 | 2 |
| Grand Finals | 3* | 0 |
| Minor Premierships | 1 | 0 |
| All-Australians | 11 | 6 |
| Pre-Season Cups | 1 | 0 |