Former St Kilda player Raphael Clarke gave an insight into what it is that makes his former coach Ross Lyon so successful.

Speaking on SEN's Fridays in the Top End, Clarke revealed that it was Lyon's clear messaging and direct communication that has helped the Saints book a spot in this year's finals series.

"Ross made it very clear what your role is and what you needed to do to play senior footy, there were no grey areas," Clarke said on Fridays in the Top End.

"That's what made him such a successful coach with us, you knew your role and you knew what you had to deliver on."

"He wasn't too overboard, but it was very direct."

Clarke played 85 games for St Kilda and was at the club during Lyon's entire first tenure as coach, in which he took the club to four consecutive finals appearances.

This included the 2009 grand final loss to Geelong and the following year's drawn grand final with Collingwood and subsequent defeat in the replay.

A trademark of Lyon's teams was their miserly defence and in 2009 the Saints conceded just 1411 points for the season, which was comfortably the lowest in the competition.

"We were all about playing a whole team defence, getting everyone to play their role," Clarke said.

"You can see that in the Saints' defence at the moment."

After a disappointing 2011 season, Lyon controversially left the club to join Fremantle on a multi-season deal.

He took the Dockers' to their first-ever grand final appearance – a loss to Hawthorn in 2013 – and was eventually replaced in 2019.

(Image: Michael Dodge/Herald Sun)

In a surprise move, Lyon was reappointed as St Kilda coach at the end of last year when the Saints decided to sack Brett Ratten despite having time remaining on his contract.

After finishing in tenth position the previous two seasons, St Kilda won 13 games in 2023 to finish sixth on the ladder.

Clarke believes the team's performances this season reflect Lyon's abilities as a coach.

"To have pretty much the same list and take them to finals says a lot about Ross and the way he goes about it.

"It's great to see the Saints back in the finals."

The ex-Saint is predicting his former team to overcome Greater Western Sydney in this Saturday's elimination final.

"I'm backing in Ross and some of my previous teammates who are there with him as well – it would be good to them get to the second stage of the finals."

Clarke also commented on his brother Xavier being shortlisted for the Richmond senior coaching position.

"Xavier doesn't give too much away," he said.

"All the family are very excited, it would be amazing if he does get the job, it's a big credit to him and his development as a coach."

He said that his brother's coaching philosophy and style is 'pretty similar' to that of Greater Western Sydney coach Adam Kingsley.