ST KILDA has about 10 young players that still don't believe they're good enough at AFL level, according to coach Alan Richardson.
Richardson told reporters after the Saints' 26-point loss to Richmond at the MCG on Sunday that he was very confident in the talent that the Saints' list boasts.
But he said that he had addressed some of his players' lack of self-belief at his post-match review on Sunday.
"We've still probably got 10 young blokes that don't believe in themselves," Richardson said.
"I think as part of our next generation they're going to be really important, there's no doubt about that, they're going to be critical.
"But there are moments when they just don't believe that they're good enough and that's part of my job as coach to get them in that space."
Richardson said such belief would come with experience, but he stressed he wanted to fast-track it.
He cited Sebastian Ross as an example of a player he would be working closely with in this area.
"I think Sebby Ross is going to be an outstanding inside AFL midfielder, but right now he's not getting it done on a consistent basis," Richardson said.
"He's showing glimpses of what we're after, but at times he's waiting for others – that's what it looks like – and we'll continue to work with him."
Richardson was encouraged by the debut of 19-year-old key forward Spencer White on Sunday.
Held to one possession in the first half playing predominantly on veteran defender Troy Chaplin, White took a strong contested mark in the third term and booted three second-half goals.
"You talk about our next generation, it's important that he comes through," Richardson said.
"It will still take him a while.
"What he should get out of today's game, and we've already spoken about it, is when he was in a contest he looked positive.
"When he was able to force himself to work and to run, he looked positive. When he had a shot on goal it went through the goals, that's a fairly handy attribute when you're a key forward.
"But he's just got to get to more contests, he's got to be able to defend a little bit stronger.
"But I thought today on balance was a positive for him."
At the other end of the Saints' experience spectrum, veteran Lenny Hayes looked tired and sore against the Tigers, going kickless in the first half before finishing with 14 possessions.
The champion midfielder is due to play his 297th – and last – AFL game against Adelaide at Adelaide Oval next Sunday, and Richardson assured everyone he would be fit to play.
"He's been struggling a little bit with his body, there's no doubt about that, but he'll be right for next week," Richardson said.
"He'll be keen to get it out the way and he'll love playing for the last time with his teammates."
