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Former Docker Michael Barlow recalls moment Ross Lyon took on Fremantle superstar Matthew Pavlich

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Catherine HealeyThe West Australian
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Matthew Pavlich is spoken to by coach Ross Lyon.
Camera IconMatthew Pavlich is spoken to by coach Ross Lyon. Credit: Michael Willson/AFL Media

Former Docker Michael Barlow has recalled the hilarious moment coach Ross Lyon gave Freo superstar Matthew Pavlich a spray – and instantly regretted it.

Pavlich was already a club legend when Lyon arrived in 2012, but it didn’t stop the new coach from taking aim at his star forward as the Dockers trailed at half time against the Suns.

“The day that really opened my eyes to Ross not holding any favourites was the day Matthew Pavlich got clipped,” Barlow shared on SEN.

“I’d been there two and a half years… and Pav is who Pav is, 15 best and fairests, 10 All-Australians, couple of everything elses.

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“Half time of the Gold Coast game, the future Michael Barlow Cup, we went up and played, and Pav’s there at half time. He hadn’t gone that well, Pav.

Former Fremantle teammates Michael Barlow and Matthew Pavlich.
Camera IconFormer Fremantle teammates Michael Barlow and Matthew Pavlich. Credit: Will Russell/AFL Media
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“No one was going all that well.

“Pav was clean, he was looking sharp, as he always does.

“Ross just came in and as he caught the eye he said: ‘Have a look at you, pristine top to tail, haven’t laid a glove on anyone’.”

Unfortunately for Lyon, Pavlich was sitting in a new jumper after a quick half-time change.

“Pav’s come in and actually let Ross know the fact he’s changed his jumper and he’s towelled himself down,” Barlow laughed.

“It’s hot, humid and muggy up on the Gold Coast.

Matthew Pavlich retired as a Fremantle club legend in 2016.
Camera IconMatthew Pavlich retired as a Fremantle club legend in 2016. Credit: Daniel Carson/AFL Media

“So yeah, Ross gave Pav a clip and from that moment on we knew if it was good for the goose, it was good for the gander.”

Pavlich would finish the game with 24 disposals and a goal as Fremantle got home by seven points.

He would go on to finish equal second in the Coleman Medal count that year, just three goals behind winner Jack Riewoldt.

Barlow also had praise for Lyon’s influence at the Dockers.

“He’ll wrap his arms around you when you need that, he’ll give you a clip behind the ears when you need that,” he added.

“But he didn’t really charm me on the day I walked into his office and he said ‘You are not required’. That was not so charming,” he said, laughing.

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