ST KILDA coach Alan Richardson wants to see his side take more risks, challenging his players to produce consistent, four-quarter performances.

After gaining momentum on the back of consecutive wins against Gold Coast and Melbourne, the Saints never seriously challenged premiership contender Port Adelaide before falling by 36 points at Adelaide Oval on Saturday night.

It leaves the Saints sitting 15^th on the ladder with three wins, one draw and 11 losses for the season ahead of their Friday night encounter with wooden spoon favourite Carlton at Etihad Stadium.

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Richardson said the remaining seven games of the season were an opportunity for his side to be more aggressive with its ball use after the Power exposed its weaknesses.

"We certainly need to continue to take the game on, both offensively and defensively," Richardson said.

"Our defence was not where it needed to be tonight and I thought we were a little bit sloppy.

"We were a little bit too conservative with the footy.

"They were outstanding defensively, so we need to learn from that."

The Saints looked to have a taken a major step forward with their upset win over the Demons.

"We've just got to develop and continue to find players that are much more reliable and consistent and stronger for longer," he said.

"I'm talking about from within our list. The guys will get opportunities if they earn opportunities.

"We'll continue to look for players that are going to perform in a way that earn selection, and those that played out there tonight will be challenged to make sure they perform in a manner that keeps them in the team."

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After being dropped earlier in the season, midfielder David Armitage was outstanding against the Power with 30 disposals and three goals.

Jack Steele also continues to develop as a tagger, keeping Power hard nut Ollie Wines to 18 disposals while having 26 touches himself.

"I thought Steele did a good job," Richardson said.

"We rate Wines really highly and he's done that for us for a couple of weeks and been able to nullify the opposition's best mid.

"Dave didn't play a lot of footy last year, so he took a while to pick up the tempo of the game, particularly the running side.

"He was going back to the VFL and dominating the clearances, but it was the outside stuff he needed to address, and he's done a good job."

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The Saints could regain key defender Jake Carlisle for the clash with the Blues as he recovers from a punctured lung.

"We're optimistic that he'll play (against Carlton)," Richardson said.

"He'll need to train and see how he goes, but from all reports, he's feeling fine and should be right."