Garry Lyon's Hall of Fame Honour Cements His Unrivalled AFL Legacy
What a night it was—absolutely unforgettable. Watching Garry Lyon, one of the true titans of Melbourne football, officially inducted into the Australian Football Hall of Fame felt like a moment of justice. Not just for his remarkable career on the field, but for everything he's given the game, long after he hung up the boots.
Now, if you grew up watching footy in the '80s and '90s, Lyon’s name was synonymous with class, grit, and leadership. And for those who didn’t? Let me paint the picture. Garry played 226 games for Melbourne between 1986 and 1999, kicking 426 goals. He was a two-time Bluey Truscott medallist, a five-time All-Australian, and captain of the club for seven seasons. That resume alone would earn respect, but what made Lyon unique was how he transcended positions. He was an elite centre half-back early on and then switched forward where he put up back-to-back hauls of nearly 80 goals in the mid-‘90s.
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No other player in the modern era has been selected as All-Australian multiple times in both defense and attack. That’s not just versatility—it’s dominance across the entire ground. And Lyon wasn’t some towering giant who bullied opponents with size. He out-thought them, out-ran them, and out-kicked them. Whether delivering a perfect torp on a rainy MCG day or leading Victoria in State of Origin clashes against the best in the country, he brought that word he values most: competitiveness .
But footy’s more than stats and highlights. Lyon’s impact since retirement is just as extraordinary. Nearly three decades in the media—TV, radio, newspapers—you name it. He’s one of those rare voices that cuts through the noise. Honest, articulate, tough but fair. Whether he’s breaking down a finals matchup on Fox Footy or sharing laughs with Tim Watson on SEN breakfast radio, he’s kept the game’s spirit alive for generations of fans.
And seeing him on stage, reflecting with humility, talking about giving his best every time he stepped on the field—it was powerful. Not many athletes will ever say they were satisfied being remembered simply as someone who tried hard . But that’s Garry Lyon. Understated, passionate, a true competitor.
To top it off, having his kids, fiancée Nicky, and extended family there for the moment made it even more special. And yes, even though his boys still give him cheek every time a clanger pops up on an old replay, there’s no doubt—they’re proud. We all are.
Garry Lyon didn’t just play the game. He shaped it, led it, elevated it. His Hall of Fame induction isn’t the end of the story. It’s the celebration of a legacy that continues to inspire.
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