A close loss to Richmond might not be enough to save Saints coach Alan Richardson, but his development credentials sparkle

The very least Alan Richardson has done is prepare the groundwork for an eventual St Kilda premiership tilt, as his mature-agers, high picks and rising ruckman shone in a fighting loss to the Tigers.

His boys tried hard for him, but Alan Richardson’s Saints just weren’t good enough against the Tigers. Picture: AAP

Alan Richardson might eventually cop it in the neck for St Kilda’s collective failures.

But if he is pushed out of Linton Street he will drive away knowing his development credentials at least made it a lineball call.

Days like the one against Richmond, as undermanned St Kilda threw everything at the Tigers but just lacked for a hint of polish and brilliance, might well sum up his six-year tenure.

But if he were to present to the St Kilda board on his capacity to develop the list — which footy boss Simon Lethlean stated as a key indicator — he would point to games like the one at Marvel Stadium.

His boys tried hard for him, but Alan Richardson’s Saints just weren’t good enough against the Tigers. Picture: AAP

Mature-aged trio Nick Hind, Callum Wilkie and Matt Parker all looked at home in their own way, illustrative of canny off-season recruiting.

Hind is clean and hard and knows where the goals are, Wilkie looked at home deep on Dustin Martin and Parker’s low-possession, high-impact ways are well advertised.

The top-10 picks of the 2017 national draft in Hunter Clark and Nick Coffield have been made to bide their time in the VFL this year, yet that tough love finally paid off.

Clark has been remade into a tough, ball-winning half back and might have been St Kilda’s best first-half player against the Tigers.

Rowan Marshall has gone from virtual unknown to one of the better ruckmen in the game. Picture: AFL Photos/Getty Images

Among St Kilda’s best six players were Josh Battle, Jade Gresham and Jack Billings, all of them making tidy progress into becoming the stars their draft position deems they should be.

Then there was Rowan Marshall, locked in an enthralling ruck battle with Mabior Chol.

Not too long ago, the rookie-drafted ruckman was a kid from Portland running around in country footy, yet despite Chol’s goals, he was exceptional.

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So if it is that Richardson is to move aside, he will at least leave knowing his replacement has a list stacked with talent.

Dan Hannebery even worked into the game well, Richardson praising his defensive work in a game with a handful of turnovers but plenty of running power.

“Dan was really busy. His effort was strong and I like the way Dan is going. His leadership is important to us given how young we are,” Richardson said after the match.

The signs were good for maligned St Kilda recruit Dan Hannebery. Picture: AFL Photos/Getty Images

The Saints even threw a different look at the Tigers, aggressively switching the ball around their pressure and, early on, able to feast on forward-half turnovers from a rusty Richmond side off the bye.

So close, but not quite good enough, is a familiar refrain for Richardson’s mob, the early accuracy deserting his team at the worst possible time.

It rained goals early, with St Kilda kicking seven straight goals to half time, but just when composure was needed late they kicked 2.7 in the last quarter and 3.10 after half time.

Richardson coaches on with his head held high, but the big scalps must come and North Melbourne and Geelong await as perfect opportunities in the next fortnight.