The Saints struggled against the Crows, and return to the scene of that disappointing performance when they take on the Bombers at Etihad Stadium this Saturday night.
Richardson wouldn't – publicly, at least - put his finger on the reasons for the Saints' lack of effort when speaking to reporters on Thursday, but admitted they were "flat".
Whether some players were content with the Saints' start to the season, or tired from the trip to Perth to play West Coast the previous week, Richardson was unsure.
But the first-year coach expects a fierce effort against the Bombers, who may have to contend with player fatigue after a 53-point loss to Fremantle at Patersons Stadium on Sunday evening, a match played in 32-degree heat.
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"Certainly our review (after the Adelaide defeat) was a reflection of what we said straight after the game publicly. We were disappointed with our effort," Richardson said."And I think the way the players had input into that meeting, the way they reflected their own performance has continued to follow that path that we were disappointed.
"There's been some talk that that's perhaps where the Saints are at. No, that was clearly our worst performance in terms of applying the right amount of pressure and effort.
"So we were really disappointed with last week and we look forward to the opportunity to do something about it against the Bombers."
The Saints won't be able to rely on one of their best contested ball winners, David Armitage, who has already been ruled out with a cut knee.
Armitage is only expected to miss one week, and could be joined by defender Sam Fisher in the team for round six.
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Richardson confirmed Fisher would play VFL for Sandringham this weekend as he returns from a hamstring injury.
