St Kilda coach Ross Lyon has taken aim AFL reporters in the wake of recent Rowan Marshall trade rumours, speculating disharmony between the star ruckman and the St Kilda footy club.
Quashing those rumours himself on Thursday night, Marshall's outspoken coach followed up the trade talks Friday ahead of the Saints' Round 16 Port Adelaide clash, highlighting the poor standards he believes are being set in the current media landscape.
Initially quizzed on his reported chat with a potential star Cat on the move, Tyson Stengle, Lyon challenged Channel Seven reporter Mitch Cleary, before revealing how his contracted ruckman was affected by the reports.
"I don't talk about what I do. I let the investigative journalists do it," Lyon laughed.
"Everything that gets written's not accurate is it, we learned that with Rowan Marshall during the week.
"Probably talks to the journalistic standards a little bit.
"He actually found me, said 'I'm really uncomfortable, I don't like it'."
On Sunday's meeting with Port Adelaide, Lyon confirmed the obvious: a Marcus Windhager run-with role, though without revealing which of Zak Butters, Jason Horne-Francis or Connor Rozee would be tagged.
Butters has been made to look susceptible in recent weeks, relatively down on form while getting visibly frustrated with the attention.
Horne-Francis has been particularly damaging against the Saints in recent outings however, polling three Brownlow votes in an explosive midfield clinic the last time they met at Marvel Stadium.
"We'll send Marcus (Windhager) to one, who that is at the minute? We're not sure," Lyon shared.
Young forward Anthony Caminiti will roll down back for the second consecutive match after an admirable effort on star Lion Joe Daniher.
Like some great key-position switchers of the past - Alastair Lynch, Leo Barry and Justin Leppitsch - the Saints coach has faith in his young tall to reach new heights with his versatility.
"He'll play back," Lyon revealed.
"He's got a lot of work to do to get anywhere near that but we think he's got some real capability."
Despite opposition coach Ken Hinkley's severe scrutiny following a shock 79-point drubbing in Round 15, Lyon is expecting a red-hot Power side to line up against his men on Sunday.
"There's a lot of hyperbole (around Hinkley)... all the metrics tell you they're a top six team."
"It's interesting what that 10% means to your coaching tenure.
"We're expecting a high quality team with its backs to the wall to bring its best."