ST KILDA coach Alan Richardson has thrown his support behind the idea of trading future draft picks to help player movement.

The idea aims to give clubs more flexibility when dealing at the trade table.

Brisbane Lions list manager Rob Kerr has revived the concept and Richardson agreed it could have benefits.

"That makes sense. I think speaking to some at the AFL their concern is if clubs were to get that wrong what does that do to the future of your footy club?" Richardson said on Thursday.

Lions put future draft picks on agenda

"So there's some trepidation from their end, but from our end we back ourselves in to get it right."

Meanwhile, Richardson has hosed down expectations after the Saints upset Melbourne in round one.

"There were some areas of the game we were really happy with. We thought our attack on the footy, our ability to put pressure on, was good," Richardson said.

"There's certainly some areas to work on, there's no doubt about that, we have no illusions about the fact that we've started on a journey.

"There's going to be some young players and with that potentially is some inconsistency and some non-compliance, not through lack of want, but just that's what you get with young groups.

"But on the whole, really pleased with the effort."

The Saints host rising force Greater Western Sydney in round two at Etihad Stadium on Saturday.

Preview: St Kilda v Greater Western Sydney

GWS shocked the football world by over-running the Sydney Swans by 32 points in the 'Battle of the Bridge' two weeks ago.

"We copped them two weeks before that up at Wagga Wagga and they were very impressive," Richardson said.

"They've got some incredible talent, they've got another pre-season into their young runners and it shows.

"The way that they played, the physical nature of their game against Sydney, suggests that they're going to be really physical in there too, so we rate them very highly."

The Saints are gradually assembling their best 22 and will be boosted by the return of midfield generals Lenny Hayes and Leigh Montagna from suspension to take on the Giants.

But Richardson said last year's best-and-fairest, midfielder Jack Steven, is still "a couple of weeks away" and might return through the VFL to gain match fitness.

"You'd imagine he would need a little bit of time, potentially in the VFL – running's a significant part of his game," Richardson said.

Key defender Sam Fisher remains "wait and see" as he battles a back complaint.

"(It's) a frustrating one for him, it's been a week (away) for probably about a month now," Richardson said.

"He hasn't quite been able to respond to the extra load we're putting in.

"He's a chance to be ready next week; probably looks a little bit more likely to be another week but we'll just wait and see."

Twitter: @TravKing_AFL