This iconic great's secret health struggle—Why did he take drastic measures before going on live TV?
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For most of us, the idea of being struck down by a sudden, agonising back spasm is enough to send us straight to bed with a hot water bottle and a cup of tea.
But for AFL legend and footy broadcaster Garry Lyon, there was no such luxury—especially when the cameras were about to roll live on national television!
In a story that’s equal parts relatable and remarkable, Garry Lyon recently revealed the behind-the-scenes drama that unfolded just minutes before he was due to appear on Fox Footy’s coverage of the Adelaide Crows’ 14-point win over Hawthorn at Adelaide Oval.
The seasoned broadcaster, who’s no stranger to the pressures of live TV, found himself in a predicament that would make even the toughest of us wince.
Just five minutes before going live, Lyon was hit with a 'nasty' back spasm—a cruel reminder of the injury that ultimately ended his illustrious playing career with Melbourne back in 1999.
For those who remember, Lyon was a powerhouse on the field, playing 226 games and booting 426 goals for the Demons. But his back troubles were well-documented, and it seems they haven’t quite left him alone.
'I had a nasty little situation. I did my back, it’s ended my footy career but for 20 years or more it’s been pretty good,' Lyon shared on SEN Breakfast. 'It just went on me on Friday and I was in a bit of pain.'
With the clock ticking and the broadcast looming, Lyon had no choice but to seek immediate medical attention.
In a move that’s both hilarious and a little bit awkward, he had to ask Adelaide Crows captain Jordan Dawson to vacate the medics’ room so he could get some urgent treatment.
'I had to say to Jordan Dawson, ‘You wouldn’t mind getting out, would you? I’ve got a bit of a sore back. It was horrible,’' Lyon recounted, clearly still cringing at the memory.
To add to the comedy of errors, Lyon then had to ask fellow footy great Mark Ricciuto to fetch the Adelaide doctor for some painkillers.
'He runs down, he said they’re very happy to help you out and this is understandable legally, they’ve got to see you,' Lyon explained.
All this, just minutes before he was due to appear on live TV! As if the pressure of live broadcasting wasn’t enough, now he had to do it while nursing a freshly aggravated back.
Of course, footy mates never miss an opportunity for a cheeky dig. Broadcaster Tim Watson couldn’t resist poking fun at Lyon, calling the whole episode 'embarrassing.'
Source: Fox Footy / Youtube.
Lyon himself admitted, 'I was on the Adelaide Crows doctor’s bench five minutes before we’re going on air getting a bit of a run over.'
But if there’s one thing we know about Garry Lyon, it’s that he’s made of tough stuff. He powered through the pain and delivered his usual expert commentary, proving once again that the show must go on—no matter what your back has to say about it!
As if his back drama wasn’t enough, Lyon was also left reeling by the shock sacking of Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin.
Despite leading the Demons to a premiership and a recent 83-point win, Goodwin was shown the door—a move that Lyon described as 'stunned, shocked, totally shocked.'
'I had no heads up on this whatsoever. Absolutely shocked, I can’t get my head around it. He won’t be coaching a farewell game, that’s something I can promise you,' Lyon said.
Demons president Brad Green revealed that Goodwin was offered the chance to coach the final three games of the season, but the coach declined, wanting to give the players 'clean air' to finish the year.
Garry Lyon’s experience is a good reminder for all of us to listen to our bodies and seek help when we need it.
Back pain, in particular, is one of the most common complaints among Australians over 60. Whether it’s from years of sport, work, or just life in general, it’s important to stay proactive about our health.
If you’re struggling with back pain or any other health issue, don’t be afraid to reach out to your GP or a specialist.
There are plenty of treatments and therapies available these days—from physiotherapy and gentle exercise to pain management and even surgery in some cases.
Read more: AFL legend Garry Lyon reveals battle with serious health issues, sparking community awareness
Have you ever had a health hiccup at the worst possible time? Maybe you’ve had to soldier on through a family event, a big meeting, or even just a day out with the grandkids. Share your stories in the comments below!
And if you’ve got any tips for managing back pain or staying active as you get older, let us know. Your advice could help a fellow member keep moving and enjoying life to the fullest.
But for AFL legend and footy broadcaster Garry Lyon, there was no such luxury—especially when the cameras were about to roll live on national television!
In a story that’s equal parts relatable and remarkable, Garry Lyon recently revealed the behind-the-scenes drama that unfolded just minutes before he was due to appear on Fox Footy’s coverage of the Adelaide Crows’ 14-point win over Hawthorn at Adelaide Oval.
The seasoned broadcaster, who’s no stranger to the pressures of live TV, found himself in a predicament that would make even the toughest of us wince.
Just five minutes before going live, Lyon was hit with a 'nasty' back spasm—a cruel reminder of the injury that ultimately ended his illustrious playing career with Melbourne back in 1999.
For those who remember, Lyon was a powerhouse on the field, playing 226 games and booting 426 goals for the Demons. But his back troubles were well-documented, and it seems they haven’t quite left him alone.
Footy broadcaster Garry Lyon suffered a painful back spasm just five minutes before going live on Fox Footy and had to seek urgent medical attention from the Adelaide doctor. Image source: Fox Footy / Youtube.
'I had a nasty little situation. I did my back, it’s ended my footy career but for 20 years or more it’s been pretty good,' Lyon shared on SEN Breakfast. 'It just went on me on Friday and I was in a bit of pain.'
With the clock ticking and the broadcast looming, Lyon had no choice but to seek immediate medical attention.
In a move that’s both hilarious and a little bit awkward, he had to ask Adelaide Crows captain Jordan Dawson to vacate the medics’ room so he could get some urgent treatment.
'I had to say to Jordan Dawson, ‘You wouldn’t mind getting out, would you? I’ve got a bit of a sore back. It was horrible,’' Lyon recounted, clearly still cringing at the memory.
To add to the comedy of errors, Lyon then had to ask fellow footy great Mark Ricciuto to fetch the Adelaide doctor for some painkillers.
'He runs down, he said they’re very happy to help you out and this is understandable legally, they’ve got to see you,' Lyon explained.
All this, just minutes before he was due to appear on live TV! As if the pressure of live broadcasting wasn’t enough, now he had to do it while nursing a freshly aggravated back.
Of course, footy mates never miss an opportunity for a cheeky dig. Broadcaster Tim Watson couldn’t resist poking fun at Lyon, calling the whole episode 'embarrassing.'
Source: Fox Footy / Youtube.
Lyon himself admitted, 'I was on the Adelaide Crows doctor’s bench five minutes before we’re going on air getting a bit of a run over.'
But if there’s one thing we know about Garry Lyon, it’s that he’s made of tough stuff. He powered through the pain and delivered his usual expert commentary, proving once again that the show must go on—no matter what your back has to say about it!
As if his back drama wasn’t enough, Lyon was also left reeling by the shock sacking of Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin.
Despite leading the Demons to a premiership and a recent 83-point win, Goodwin was shown the door—a move that Lyon described as 'stunned, shocked, totally shocked.'
'I had no heads up on this whatsoever. Absolutely shocked, I can’t get my head around it. He won’t be coaching a farewell game, that’s something I can promise you,' Lyon said.
Demons president Brad Green revealed that Goodwin was offered the chance to coach the final three games of the season, but the coach declined, wanting to give the players 'clean air' to finish the year.
Garry Lyon’s experience is a good reminder for all of us to listen to our bodies and seek help when we need it.
Back pain, in particular, is one of the most common complaints among Australians over 60. Whether it’s from years of sport, work, or just life in general, it’s important to stay proactive about our health.
If you’re struggling with back pain or any other health issue, don’t be afraid to reach out to your GP or a specialist.
There are plenty of treatments and therapies available these days—from physiotherapy and gentle exercise to pain management and even surgery in some cases.
Read more: AFL legend Garry Lyon reveals battle with serious health issues, sparking community awareness
Have you ever had a health hiccup at the worst possible time? Maybe you’ve had to soldier on through a family event, a big meeting, or even just a day out with the grandkids. Share your stories in the comments below!
And if you’ve got any tips for managing back pain or staying active as you get older, let us know. Your advice could help a fellow member keep moving and enjoying life to the fullest.
