Lyon dismissed rumors of discontent among players, including Callum Wilkie, Marcus Windhager, and Rowan Marshall, as unfounded and questioned the journalistic integrity behind such stories.

Lyon expressed a desire for more prime-time games, emphasizing the need for better performance to earn such opportunities.

Ross Lyon, the coach of St Kilda, abruptly ended a press conference on August 13, 2025, expressing frustration over persistent questions regarding the club's contract negotiations and player unrest.

Lyon highlighted the club's significant financial commitments, mentioning a lucrative deal for Carlton ruckman Tom De Koning and a proposed deal for Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera.

He criticized the media's focus on list management questions, suggesting that similar inquiries should be directed to other coaches.

He described a report by journalist Michelangelo Rucci as 'half-baked' and emphasized Wilkie's loyalty to St Kilda.

Despite speculation, Lyon claimed to be unaware of any unrest with players and emphasized that his conversations with them are private.

Rucci suggested that several senior players might leave St Kilda after the 2025 season, raising concerns about potential player exodus.

In the press conference, Lyon challenged journalists to inquire about unrest in other clubs, emphasizing that every team faces similar scrutiny.

The Saints have proposed a $1.7 million annual deal to Tom De Koning while pursuing Reid, but Lyon insisted he had never communicated with Reid.

During the six-minute conference, Lyon confirmed that St Kilda is pursuing player Harley Reid with a $25 million offer and expressed happiness over retaining player Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera.

Lyon reiterated his primary focus is on coaching the team rather than addressing individual player contracts or transfer rumors.