Nathan Lyon is called “Garry” as a running joke based on the former AFL (Australian Rules) star Garry Lyon, whose surname he shares. Over time the nickname stuck, especially once fans and teammates started shouting “Nice, Garry!” every time he bowled during Test matches.

Origin of the nickname

  • Teammates began calling Nathan Lyon Garry as a playful nod to ex-Melbourne footballer Garry Lyon, since they share the same last name.
  • The joke fit neatly into Aussie sporting culture, where nicknames often come from puns or famous names rather than anything deep.

“Nice, Garry!” catchphrase

  • During the 2016 Australia–South Africa Test series, wicketkeeper Matthew Wade repeatedly shouted “Nice, Garry!” after Lyon’s deliveries, and TV microphones picked it up clearly.
  • The phrase went viral with crowds timing a huge “Niiiiice Garry!” chant, turning the nickname into a cult meme around Lyon and cementing it as part of his public persona.

Why it’s still trending

  • Even years later, fans in stadiums, online forums, and social media threads keep using “Nice, Garry!” whenever Lyon bowls well or takes a big wicket, keeping the in-joke alive.
  • The nickname has helped build his image as both a top off-spinner and a kind of cult hero, especially during Ashes series and big home summers.

TL;DR: Nathan Lyon is called “Garry” because of a light-hearted reference to AFL legend Garry Lyon, and the nickname exploded into a meme once Matthew Wade’s loud “Nice, Garry!” stump-mic moments caught on with fans.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.