Nathan Lyon speaks ahead of Shepparton tour

While he is Australia’s second-highest wicket taker of all time with the red ball, and boasts a moniker of ‘the GOAT’ - the greatest of all time - the 38-year-old had humble beginnings, born and raised rurally himself in the country NSW town of Young.

Now, having forged a seemingly endless career darting Kookaburras at stumps in the Baggy Green, the Australian cricketing hero is passing on his knowledge to Shepparton locals in his ‘Have You Got What It Takes’ tour.

Speaking with the News ahead of Wednesday’s sessions, Lyon revealed a conversation around the dinner table sparked the idea as he searched a way to give back to his regional roots.

“It was a discussion around the family dinner table to be honest with you, just trying to figure out what I could give back to the game that’s given me so much,” Lyon said.

“We decided to come up with these leadership talks and try to come out to these rural areas of Australia, which in my eyes is the heartbeat of Australia.

“If we can try and inspire and connect with some young business leaders and young sporting boys and girls then I’m doing half my job.

“It’s something that’s very close to my heart.

“Obviously having grown up in country NSW, if I had access to an Australian test cricketer coming down to my local town passing on a bit of advice, but also having the ability to ask questions, I would’ve jumped at the opportunity.”

Lyon made it clear these tour sessions weren’t a lecture on his behalf, rather an opportunity to discuss in a “round table” style conversation how to be a leader and adopt the mindset that athletes have to reach their professional best.

He hopes Shepparton locals take plenty of learnings out of the sessions, with hopes it can boost interpersonal skills for burgeoning athletes and businesspeople.

“I get the importance of coming down out to rural areas - city kids have access to all types of leadership people and athletes, so to give back to the rural communities is pretty crucial,” Lyon said.

“I’ve grown as an individual on and off the field but I’m a big believer you don’t need a label to be a leader.

“Your actions while training or on the field, being supportive of people around you - they’re part of the conversations we’ll be having here.

“There’s a lot of knowledge to be passed on.”

Lyon has played 141 test matches for Australia, but also takes pride in teaching young players coming through the ranks at Sheffield Shield or Big Bash League level.

While Lyon didn’t feature in BBL|15, he shared a place in the Melbourne Renegades squad with Tatura spinner Michael Archer, who made his Big Bash debut in the summer.

“That’s the fun part (teaching young players),” Lyon said.

“You’re able to pass off your own knowledge, but I also learn off of the young guys too.”

A driven winner, Lyon stated there are two messages for aspiring Shepparton athletes.

“You go out to win, and there’s been plenty of moments in my career where critical moments of leadership has won a game.

“’Not fearing failing’ and ‘success leave clues’ are two topics we touch on in our conversations.

“They’re not a lecture, they’re a round the table conversation where people can ask question and have a back and forth chat.

“This is not just for cricket players, it’s for anyone who wants to be a professional athlete or adopt the mindset of a professional athlete.”