ST KILDA will be able to invest in the football department resources it needs to grow a young list after signing a new major partner for at least the next two years.

After announcing a loss of nearly $4m last year and with club debt at $9m, the Saints' new partnership with Dare Iced Coffee has provided a significant financial boost as the new season approaches.

The club was forced to cut football department spending ahead of the 2014 season after failing to meet sponsorship and membership targets, but CEO Matt Finnis said both revenue streams were now flowing.  

"The fact is we know you've got to invest in a football program that's going to be competitive and allow us to invest in the development of our young players," Finnis said on Tuesday morning. 

"From our point of view we've got to make sure we've got the development resources and we've got the coaching expertise around this young list to ensure they're going to develop to make the most of their potential and their careers.

"This investment and the growth in sponsorship we're seeing is absolutely critical in being able to deliver that."

After running a successful campaign to sign 25,000 members by December 25, Finnis said the Saints' membership numbers were 20 per cent higher than this time last year.

He was also confident there would be clarity this year on a proposed move to Junction Oval as the club seeks "a stronger sense of what is home for the footy club".

Coach Alan Richardson was also on hand to launch the Saints' new partnership by the St Kilda Sea Baths on Tuesday, with the second-year coach pleased with his players' progress this pre-season.     

"Our players have just been outstanding and embraced everything we've thrown at them, whether that be here or on training camp," he said.

"Our improvement really needs to be holistic – we need to get better with the ball and we need to get better without the ball.

"Anything that required teamwork or synergy – we played 42 players (last year) – fell away and was not where it needed to be.

"So that's a really significant focus."

Prized No.1 draft pick Paddy McCartin will leave hospital on Wednesday after being treated for a skin infection on his right thigh and Richardson said the key forward wouldn't be rushed through his preparation for the new season.

"If he's right to go round one because he's done all the work and he fits into the team because his form's been OK, then he'll play," Richardson said. 

"But Paddy's here for a career, he's not here for one game."