St Kilda head of football Simon Lethlean says the club will consider approaching the AFL for a priority pick in this year’s draft.

The Saints have been without a host of players due to unforeseen circumstances this season, including Dylan Roberton (heart), Jack Steven (mental health) and Paddy McCartin (concussion).

"It's an interesting scenario, we've also got Billy Longer and Lewis Pierce (out through concussion)," Lethlean told SEN Breakfast.

"We've certainly got some unusual circumstances that don't relate to soft tissue and other injuries that could have a significant effect on our TPP (Total Player Payments) and our ability to manage our list as well as you could for reasons that are a bit out of our control.

"We'll certainly have conversations internally with the AFL about how that looks for us going forward. I think that's a fair question to raise."

St Kilda parted ways with coach Alan Richardson earlier in the week with assistant Brett Ratten taking over as caretaker.

Ratten will be aiming to get a win in his first game as Saints coach when they take on the Western Bulldogs at Marvel Stadium on Sunday.

Hear Simon Lethlean on SEN Breakfast in the player below: