The noise that's been emerging around the Saints in regard to what Richardson needs to do to get an extension is astounding. If St Kilda's expectation at the start of the season was for him to win a final this year, then they're delusional. Heaven help the next coach if that's the benchmark. That's not to say the Saints can't win a final, but simply to acknowledge how unlikely that would be given where they were coming from after last year. While Richardson has had six years at the helm to get things right, let's not forget the terrible state of the list he inherited.

Loading With an ageing demographic and limited young talent, he was always going to face a long and difficult challenge.

He also faced the delicate task of retiring club champions Nick Riewoldt, Leigh Montagna and Sam Fisher. The 11-win season of 2017, when the Saints only missed out on finals by one game and percentage, was an overachievement. Last year certainly wasn't a great season, but probably a closer reflection of where the Saints were at. Their record this year, at six wins and six losses, is incredible when you factor in the injuries the club has had to deal with.

Not all of those victories have been pretty, and the Saints have fallen over the line twice against the Gold Coast, but you can only beat what's in front of you. They're just a game outside the eight, despite being without their captain Jarryn Geary for much of the season. Their best defender, Jake Carlisle, hasn't played after back surgery and big-name recruit Dan Hannebery is only now set to make his debut for the club. Paddy McCartin's year has again been ruined by concussion and the Saints best player over the past six or seven years, Jack Steven, has been battling mental health issues. He's a four-time best and fairest winner and managed only four games in 2019.

If you'd said at the start of the year that St Kilda would be missing all of those players for extended periods, you'd take a 6-6 record in a heartbeat. So why isn't Richardson getting much credit? Is it because he wasn't a superstar in his playing days like certain others in the competition? The Saints have been without key personnel at times this season, including skipper Jarryn Geary. Credit:AAP Some might argue Nathan Buckley wouldn't have lasted as long without being a champion of Collingwood, and the overwhelming support of club president Eddie McGuire. Is Richardson overlooked because he's been surrounded by highly rated new assistants in Brendon Lade and Brett Ratten? It's funny how that often works. Struggle, it's the coach's fault. Do well, it's the assistants.

Or is it because the Saints are a little off-Broadway, tucked away down at Moorabbin? Regardless, I think you can mount a case to say he's just about coach of the year under the circumstances. Of course, the Saints' finish to the season will be important. They can't afford to fall off a cliff in the next 10 rounds if Richardson wants to keep his job. There are plenty of murmurs about what is already going on behind the scenes that could complicate his future. We know about the relationship Brad Scott has with Saints footy boss Simon Lethlean and another senior voice in the football department, Graeme "Gubby" Allan.

What that means for Richardson is yet to play out. But from what we've seen this year the players are clearly still playing for him. At their best they still play a high-energy, high-pressure type of game. While the Saints probably aren't as gung-ho as they were a few years ago, they still have an attractive brand and have been in more games for longer. After trips to China and then Townsville, they'll welcome the return home. Grab win No.7 of the year against Brisbane at Marvel Stadium on Saturday and they're right in the September picture with a fairly reasonable run home.