I don't have the time or the room in this article to talk about all of the reasons Thommo should be thanked for the success of St Kilda in the past decade and a half. Not to mention, the role he played in moulding us into the footballers and men we are today. Thommo was as important to St Kilda's success in the era under Ross Lyon as the man himself. Thommo laid the foundations for the core group of players who were selected in consecutive drafts in the early 2000s. The same core group went on to play in consecutive grand finals in 2009 and 2010 under Ross. He was a ruthless, uncompromising coach. He valued leadership, effort and hard work. But most importantly, he was caring and understanding. He created an open and honest environment driven by the players. Thommo never saw his relationships with his players as one of traditional structure; you were an extension of his already very large family. Thommo taught us how to be mentally tough and about real leadership. For the younger group at the time, it felt as though he was a father figure. I could talk forever and a day about the training methods, meetings and feedback sessions we endured, but what stands above all else, is that Thommo was a manager of men, a motivator. He knew how to treat everyone as an individual. He knew how to get the best out of each one of us for the common cause. We played for, and with, Thommo - every time we put on the jumper. He was and still is, a mentor, confidant and friend.

ROSS LYON

I think we all know Ross Lyon the coach, but very few, bar close friends, family and respected players get to know Ross Lyon, the person. I'm often asked, what is Rossie like away from football? Ross is a tactical genius, a student of the game. His training and teaching methods are unlike anything I have seen. Through a methodical and deliberate process, preparation and training, you will get results. He was a great motivator and manager, much like Thommo. His ruthless approach to the game caused unease for some players and staff. Those who could not do what the team expected or could not fully give themselves to the team fell by the wayside. He did not apologise for that. He knows what it takes. Although we did not achieve the level of greatness in 2009 and 2010 that we had hoped, it was not through a lack of effort and preparation. No one works harder at their craft than Ross Lyon, he expects nothing less from his players and football staff. Ross has a very sarcastic and humorous side that not everyone gets to see. But for those who did, it only made the bond stronger. I have the utmost respect for Rossie. I will be forever grateful for the role he played in my life.

SCOTT WATTERS

Scott and I had a pretty amicable relationship while he was coach of St Kilda, for the most part anyhow. He had a good understanding of the game and how it should be played, a Mick Malthouse disciple, he had many of the traits and beliefs that I saw from Mick, albeit from afar. We had a common interest in golf. We would often discuss all things golf, a lot about the best courses and holes we had ever played. Things turned pear-shaped towards the end of 2012 and we obviously went our separate ways. I did learn a number of things from his stint at the Saints.