CIRCADIAN RHYTHM OVER MATCH-UPS? Ross Lyon Explains Controversial Tagging Call in Saints’ Loss
St Kilda coach Ross Lyon has offered a curious and scientific explanation for his team’s tactical decisions during their latest AFL clash, raising eyebrows across the footy world. Following the Saints’ loss on the weekend, Lyon faced mounting questions about why his side chose not to employ a tagger on one of the opposition’s most dominant midfielders.
The term that’s left many scratching their heads? Circadian rhythm—a biological concept more commonly associated with sleep cycles and jet lag than defensive AFL strategy.
During his post-match press conference, Lyon acknowledged the obvious dominance of the opposition’s midfield engine but stood firm on his decision not to implement a traditional hard tag. Instead, he attributed part of the Saints’ underwhelming effort to what he described as the players being “off rhythm,” suggesting that their internal body clocks may have been disrupted, resulting in an overall drop in performance output.
> “We just weren’t quite switched on in the way we needed to be,” Lyon explained. “There are all sorts of factors that affect performance—mental, physical… even circadian rhythm.”
The comments, while scientifically sound in principle, immediately drew criticism and sparked debate among footy pundits, fans, and former players alike.
“What About Accountability?”
One of the major talking points from the game was the sheer influence of the rival midfielder, who racked up over 35 disposals, 10 clearances, and a goal—clearly the most impactful player on the field. Social media lit up with fans asking why someone wasn’t sent to clamp down on him earlier, especially as he continued to rack up touches uncontested through the corridor.
For many, Lyon’s explanation seemed to deflect from the more obvious issue: a tactical misfire.
Former premiership player turned commentator David King didn’t hold back post-game on Fox Footy.
> “I get sports science, I get preparation—but this isn’t about circadian rhythm. This is about footy IQ and in-game management. You’re watching a bloke torch you for four quarters, and you don’t even send someone to wear him for 10 minutes? That’s not elite coaching, that’s negligence,” King said.
Trusting the System
Lyon, however, was adamant that his side’s defensive system—not individual matchups—remains the core principle of their identity.
> “We back our structure. We believe our system can absorb pressure when it’s operating at full tilt. Tonight, we weren’t where we needed to be physically or mentally, and that reflected in how much ball they got out the front of stoppage,” he said.
He also hinted that implementing a tag in the second half may have disrupted the Saints’ already unstable midfield rotations.
> “When you start shifting pieces around mid-game, there’s a flow-on effect. Suddenly you’re plugging one hole and creating another elsewhere. We looked at it. We thought about it. But we needed our guys to lift and take responsibility in their own contests,” Lyon added.
Still, the Saints were consistently second to the ball, struggled to generate pressure through the middle, and were exposed in transition—a byproduct of the midfield battle being lost so comprehensively.
Scientific or Soft?
Lyon’s comments about circadian rhythm seemed to be aimed at pointing out the broader challenges elite athletes face in maintaining peak output, especially during games scheduled outside typical time slots. The Saints have played three twilight or evening matches in the past four weeks, and some insiders have claimed that the team’s sports science department had flagged fatigue issues in the lead-up to this latest clash.
But in the high-stakes environment of AFL football, where tactical decisions are scrutinized under a microscope, the choice not to tag arguably the opposition’s most potent weapon is being viewed as more than just a scientific oversight—it’s being called a missed opportunity.
Several media figures and former players have questioned whether the Saints’ coaching group is too fixated on process and too slow to adjust in real-time.
> “At some point, you’ve got to stop overthinking things. If someone’s cutting you up, you send someone to stop them. That’s football,” former Brisbane Lion Jonathan Brown said on On the Couch.
What Now for the Saints?
The loss is another blow to St Kilda’s finals hopes, with the club now sitting on the fringes of the eight. While the Saints remain within striking distance of September, there is growing pressure on Lyon and his staff to make bolder, more adaptive decisions during games.
Captain Jack Steele, speaking post-match, echoed his coach’s sentiments about energy levels being down.
> “We felt flat. That’s on us, no excuses. We didn’t execute. We weren’t sharp enough early and it snowballed. Whether it’s travel, fatigue, whatever—you’ve still got to show up and play your role,” Steele said.
Steele refused to criticise the decision not to tag but admitted that players knew during the first quarter that they were in for a tough night.
> “Sometimes you can feel it. You’re just a step off. It’s hard to explain. But yeah, we needed to find a way to respond and we didn’t,” he added.
Fans Want Answers
Saints supporters have taken to social media demanding more accountability, with some calling Lyon’s reasoning “bizarre” and “weak.” Others expressed support for their coach but urged him to be more flexible in key matchups.
One post on X read:
> “Ross the Boss needs to get out of the lab and back into the trenches. This isn’t a science experiment—it’s a football game.”
Looking Ahead
With a challenging fixture ahead and finals hopes hanging in the balance, the Saints can ill afford to rely on rhythms—circadian or otherwise. Adaptability, urgency, and tactical bravery will be essential if they’re to reestablish themselves as genuine contenders.
Whether Ross Lyon’s scientific lens will yield long-term dividends remains to be seen. For now, however, the heat is rising—and the footy world will be watching to see how he responds next week.
