‘This will make or break things with us’: The Ross Lyon spray that got star off a drip and into a GF – Fox Sports

The former Saints this week reflected on Dawsons bold call to play in St Kildas 2009 Grand Final against Geelong, despite spending the previous night then arriving at the MCG on a drip due to food poisoning.
The duo, which spent time together at both St Kilda and Fremantle, reflected on the early days of their player-coach relationship in AFL Medias Shaped by the Game video series.
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After Dawson was delisted by Hawthorn at the end of the 2008 season, the late St Kilda great Danny Frawley raised the possibility of getting Dawson to St Kilda with Lyon. The pair then met and Dawson was taken in the rookie draft by the Saints.
Dawson said Lyons ability to welcome peoples deficiencies and ability to grow, as well as their strengths, was appealing and comforting, particularly after his experience at Hawthorn.
Zac Dawson after being delisted from the Hawthorn Football Club at the end of the 2008. Picture: Chris ScottSource: News Limited
Twelve months later, both men were preparing to play major roles in St Kildas first AFL Grand Final in 12 years after the club earned a spot in the showpiece event.
But, as Lyon and Dawson remembered in the AFL Media video, it wasnt a smooth preparation for the full-back.
Ross Lyon: It was my first Grand Final as a senior coach. But I remember it was a big week, do the parade, go home and then the phone rings Dawsons in hospital, hes got food poisoning!
Zac Dawson: In terms of preparing for a Grand Final, you just want it to go as smooth as possible and Im sitting, the night before, on a drip. Went to the ground on a drip at the ground. We had a conversation which Ill never forget.
RL: That wouldve been a solid conversation.
ZD: You said: Make sure you get this decision right, this is going to make or break things with you and me.
RL: Is that what I said? As if you werent under enough stress.
ZD: Im proud of the fact that I got through the game and didnt let you down.
Zac Dawson soldiered on in the 2009 Grand Final. Picture: Tim CarrafaSource: News Limited
Dawson started the game against Geelong well and took several solid intercept marks. But he would also be involved in two of the games most famous moments.
Dawson was the Saint that turned the ball over deep in his defensive 50 Lyon said Dawson slaughtered it that led to Tom Hawkins quick snap at goal. The goal umpire called it a goal, but replays showed the footy snicked the inside of the goalpost.
Then with the game on the line deep in the fourth term, Dawson charged through the middle of the MCG to spoil the footy away from Gary Ablett. He was successful, but didnt fully connect with the footy, allowing Matthew Scarlett to shrewdly toe-poke the ball to Ablett and the rest is history.
Its probably the one moment that I do think about a little bit, Dawson said.
It was probably a moment where I couldve influenced everything Got the fist on the ball, but obviously didnt take the body and didnt get enough of a fist on it.
The spoil that still haunts Zac Dawson.Source: News Limited
Lyon replied: You couldve, you really shouldve just taken out Gary. I love Gary Ablett Jnr, hes a good man, but he should be in hospital still.
The former Saints coach said the close loss was a heartbreaking experience, but the sight of Lenny Hayes getting better, not bitter, inspired him to go again.
I remember after the game I had a cry with my kids. I was OK until I saw my kids. I wasnt in a dark place, but pretty flat, Lyon said.
I went into work and, as condemned as it was, my office overlooked the oval. I looked out the window and there was Lenny Hayes doing his strides. I shut the computer and just watched him. He wouldve punched out 20 100s, or whatever it was it was quite inspiring.
I shared it with the group. I said: Thats my moment. Lets be honest weve all been flat, we all feel sh*thouse. (But) Lennys going, lets all get going.
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From there, we had a great summer.
Dawson described the first five years of his career at Hawthorn as a tumultuous time, highlighted by a game in 2006 when the then-skinny young defender had Magpie Anthony Rocca kick eight goals on him.
Dawson said his parents were besides themselves and devastated when reading the newspaper coverage about him. He added he would always wear a cap or a hoodie
It quickly became something that wasnt enjoyable, Dawson said.
I was in the paper for a month every day. I wasnt up to standard. It became a huge thing about me. At the time I didnt think anything of it, like: What have I done? Im just trying my best.

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