St Kilda coach Ross Lyon has spoken to media after a training incident came to light where he was accused of a racist comment by some Saints players.
Veteran star Brad Hill publicly backed his coach following reports the latter offered to quit after the comment at training earlier this year.
On Seven's Agenda Setters on Monday night, veteran journalist Caroline Wilson reported Lyon's remark upset a number of the club's Indigenous players and he later told them he would stand down from the job if they wished him to.
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During a training session early this season, Lyon reportedly said, "I love the brother boy connection, but we all have to remember we are part of a bigger team here", as three Indigenous players were side by side while taking part in a drill.
The comment was heard by several players and veteran Indigenous star Hill later called Lyon to explain why the remark could be taken as racist.
Lyon reportedly then organised a team meeting for the Monday – which was meant to be a day off – at which he "became emotional" and explained he hadn't meant it in a racist way, and offered to quit if that's what the players wanted.
Lyon was door-stopped by several journalists when he arrived at Saints HQ on Tuesday.
"Culture is really important, and behaviour is really important," he said.
"I made an error, unintentionally. I resolved it with my players and I'm thankful for their support."
Lyon earlier issued a statement to Wilson, which was aired on Monday night.
"I'm not here to justify or try to rationalise what I said. We are all only as good as our next moment and it was a moment I understand I misjudged," Lyon said.
"Was I being flippant? Could it be described as casual racism? I learned a lot out of what happened.
"It didn't land where it should have landed and I have to wear that, and I take full responsibility for what I said.
"I was very emotional at the meeting, and I offered to consider my position."
Wilson reported Hill was upset the incident was being made public by the journalist, and the 32-year-old later posted a story to his Instagram account.
It was a photo of he and teammate Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera with their arms around Lyon, and the caption, "Sorry Caro (Wilson) but we love Ross".
Hill also tagged teammates Wanganeen-Milera, Liam Ryan, Liam Henry, Lance Collard, Isaac Keeler, and Marcus Windhager.
Lyon has been a head coach in the AFL for almost 20 years and took the reins of St Kilda in 2023.
They sit 12th on the AFL ladder with three wins to date this season, and next face Carlton on Saturday night.
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