Former Melbourne AFL great Garry Lyon will take a step into coaching, taking charge of the Victorian Country Under 16 AFL Academy.

Lyon, who played 226 games for Melbourne between 1986-99 and was a five-time All Australian, replaces Nathan Buckley in the role.

Buckley has signed on for an assistant coaching position at his former club Collingwood as part of a succession plan to replace Mick Malthouse as the Magpies' head coach for 2011.

Lyon, co-host of the Nine Network's AFL Footy Show, said he was delighted to be able to work in an area of the game for which he held great passion.

"To be able to work with such talented and committed youngsters, and help them to maximise their potential, as both footballers and young men, is genuinely exciting," he said.

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