WHILE AFL football is ultimately a results driven industry, St Kilda coach Alan Richardson doesn't hide from the fact that he and his assistants will continue to place a strong emphasis on player development in 2014 with an eye to the future.

At 3-6 and in 16th position, but just one win away from ninth, Richardson’s philosophy throughout his first year in charge has remained consistent despite a mixture of uplifting early wins and crushing recent defeats.

“Or focus is about improving, developing and growing,” he said on Wednesday morning.

“Whilst there have been some performances that have been disappointing and some halves of footy that have been disappointing, in amongst that there has been some really positive stuff from a team perspective and also from some of our individuals.”

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One of Richardson’s most respected character traits is his honesty, and despite the spate of youngsters who are still learning their crafts, the first-year coach refuses to mince his words when frank and candid feedback is required.

“Constructive criticism absolutely applies to the way we review our performance,” he said.

“There are certain things that are important to us as a footy team: our commitment to win our own footy, contested footy, our commitment to defend for your teammate and support them.

“If it is that you don’t get that done, then you will pulled up on that.”

The fact the Saints have played 36 players after just nine games suggests the bye came at a good time.

“The synergy that you need to be a much more complete team – offence and defence – hasn’t been there,” Richardson said.

“We were probably a little bit banged up.

“Our younger players have had to play really significant roles and significant minutes, and while long-term that’s outstanding for our club and those guys, it was good timing to have a break.

Arguably St Kilda’s greatest area of concern this season has been its slow start to games.

The Saints have conceded more goals in the first ten minutes of matches than any other team in 2014, and according to Richardson, the issue has been addressed and will be a key focus ahead of Friday night’s clash against Collingwood.

“It would be fair to say that the starts to our games, especially in recent times, have been a bit of an issue. That’s something we’ve spoken about strongly.”

“They (the Magpies) are a good team in good form and they have some real quality out there. We have got some young players and some experienced leaders that have been really strong for us. We’re really looking forward to it.”

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And while Richardson coaches on a day to day, week to week basis, he’s acutely alert to the club’s long-term vision for sustained success.

“Given where we are at, and the journey that we are on, we are reasonably happy with the way individuals have progressed and the opportunities we have been able to give to young players. That’s been a positive.”