THE ATTENTION may be centered on Lenny Hayes on Sunday, but according to coach Alan Richardson the onus will be squarely on the Saints' young midfielders when St Kilda takes on the Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium.
The Saints have gone all out to celebrate Hayes' final home game in front of his adoring fans; Richardson describing the Saints champion as "good a person as I've ever met in footy".
Although Richardson is fully aware of the importance of sending a club legend off on the right note, his focus will be on teaching the club's young onballers how to replicate Hayes' feats.
The Saints coach said the game against the Dogs provides Seb Ross, David Armitage, Jack Newnes, Jack Steven and Maverick Weller the opportunity to match it with three of the premier inside midfielders in the competition in Tom Liberatore, Matthew Boyd and Ryan Griffen.
It is a key focus area for the Saints, as the club is ranked second last in the competition in winning contested possessions (127.5 per game) this season. The Dogs are fifth (143.7) and thrive in that area.
"We need to be really strong on the inside (of the contest)," Richardson said at Moorabbin on Saturday.
"We also need to be better at converting our opportunities. We've been pretty sloppy in recent times with our kicks inside 50."
Sam Gilbert will also play his first game since round three and his leadership and organisation will be an important fillip for the Saints' backline, according to Richardson.
"When we were at our best earlier in the year, Sam was a significant contributor," Richardson said.
"He's a really strong leader. We like the way our defence is coming together – you'd rather they play 10 games together – but we're really pleased that Gilbo will be back there for us."
With the Saints in rebuild mode, Richardson said the club needed to explore all avenues in their search for improvement and greater consistency.
"There's no doubt that guys need to perform. We don't hide from that, they don't hide from that," Richardson said.
"That's the situation we find ourselves in."
"He's a really strong leader. We like the way our defence is coming together – you'd rather they play 10 games together – but we're really pleased that Gilbo will be back there for us."
With the Saints in rebuild mode, Richardson said the club needed to explore all avenues in their search for improvement and greater consistency.
"There's no doubt that guys need to perform. We don't hide from that, they don't hide from that," Richardson said.
"That's the situation we find ourselves in."
