ST KILDA skipper Nick Riewoldt has scoffed at suggestions the Saints will need to lose a game before the finals.

The Saints sit undefeated after 16 rounds but Riewoldt says the team feels no pressure to go through the season undefeated.

"I think it’s rubbish to be honest. It’s a gambler’s fallacy really. Every week we go into the game wanting to win, just like every other team," Riewoldt said.

"If we go out and do happen to drop one, provided we play the game like we know we can – we've approached it well and prepared well and given 100 per cent effort – then we will take whatever the result gives us.

"We are not a results-focused team. We’re about effort and everyone contributing."

Riewoldt said Michael Gardiner, Max Hudghton and Matt Maguire were all in line to be included for this week’s clash against the Bulldogs and that the out of form Luke Ball had been working with coach Ross Lyon as he tries to regain touch.

"I don’t want to pre-empt anything that might influence the coaches," Riewoldt said.

"He is one of the most respected players at the club, Bally, and he has had some conversations with Ross and been given some things to work on. That is between player and coach and he is working on those really hard."

The Saints have not had to make many changes to their side this year and Riewoldt said the playing group was helping Ball get through his quiet patch of form.

"We’re a very tight group and we all know each other’s strengths and weaknesses and what is a good time to offer support and advice," he said.

"I think all the players have been really supportive of Luke and other guys that have been through similar things in the last couple of years."

Riewoldt’s team is two games clear on top of the ladder with six home and away games remaining. But he said the team was not lacking in motivation as it constantly looks to improve.

"We’re still six weeks away from the finals so there is still a huge opportunity for improvement. We want to continually improve. We don’t want to waste a training session, we don’t want to waste a game," he said.

"When you become a little bit older, experienced and mature as a player you realise that you need to make the most of these chances. We are hell-bent on improving and trying to get the most out of ourselves as a playing group."

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