Typical of Ross Lyon's wry outlook, the St Kilda coach says the AFL club had "interesting circumstances" when he joined them as senior coach last year.

But after a tumultuous debut season that featured a horrific run with injuries, numerous internal problems and a board takeover, Lyon starts the new year with justified confidence.

Most importantly for the Saints' on-field prospects, they overhauled their football department and so far appear to be finally making headway with their injury management.

Matt Maguire is back running, Michael Gardiner is training well and Brendon Goddard has had no setbacks in his comeback from a knee reconstruction.

"We're controlling the controllables, we've appointed a really good team of people and added resources," Lyon said.

"We knew we needed to do (it), at this stage we're getting results, but time will tell."

Maguire in particular has had a terrible run of luck, following the broken leg he suffered late in the 2006 season.

He managed 10 senior games last year, but is now recovering from a foot stress fracture.

Lyon said Maguire and Richmond's Nathan Brown, another player who has had to overcome a broken leg, would eventually return to top form consistently because they had the right attitude.

"That was frustrating for him, he's really had a rough run and we all appreciate that," Lyon said of Maguire's latest injury.

"He's such an incredibly hard worker, centre half-backs don't grow on trees.

"We're really confident he'll play football consistently this year.

"Players like (himself) and Nathan Brown, they've been through an enormous amount, but in the end they get there because they're so dedicated."

Lyon added Maguire and Goddard could resume during the NAB Cup.

The coach said he was watching the AFL coaching debuts of Essendon's Matthew Knights and Melbourne's Dean Bailey with interest as they go through what he experienced last year.

"I walked into a club in interesting circumstances, but we've worked through all that," he said.

"It's a united club, we've got some wonderful sponsorships on board.

"We've got a real stability ... some things do take time, we are settled.

"I felt in control last year, but the longer you're in a position - it's a steep learning curve, more off the field with media, sponsors and (the) board.

"I feel confident I've grown and I feel in control."

Lyon noted that all clubs would go into this season feeling they were legitimate finals chances.

"I was just thinking about it this morning, there's no cellar dwellers any more," he said.

"There wouldn't be a team in the competition that's not looking to make the eight, which I don't think you could have said the last few years, it's going to be a great year of football.

"Clearly Richmond have already signalled their intent with their aspirations and Carlton with (Chris) Judd and (Nick) Stevens back.

"I don't think there's anyone thinking 'geez, we're easybeats' ... the possibility for everyone at the moment is a premiership and finals, so that's where we're at."

© 2009 AAP
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