The point hinted at by club president Andrew Bassat last week was made clear by football boss Simon Lethlean after Saturday's disastrous 64-point loss to Brisbane at Marvel Stadium.

The poor performance means more pressure on Richardson, who is contracted until the end of next season.

After the Saints third-last finish in 2018 with only four wins, speculation has been rife about Richardson's future.

Richardson has earned plenty of kudos for St Kilda's effort throughout most of the season, given their shocking luck with injury and illness.

But Lethlean made it clear that Saturday's loss was a setback.

"We're 6-7, which is better than last year, but we've got to start beating some teams above us, rather than just those below us," Lethlean told 3AW.

"We need to perform a lot better than last night to prove to all of us that we're heading the right way.

"If it is that we keep improving, Alan's our coach and, if we keep improving, Alan will still be our coach."

Richardson is said to have a trigger clause in his contract, where he automatically stays for next season if the Saints win a final.

Given the Brisbane loss, that is unlikely.

But Lethlean's comments and similar sentiments expressed by Bassat last week on the club website point the way forward for Richardson.

It makes next Sunday's match against Richmond a massive game for the Saints and their coach.

As of Sunday afternoon, the Tigers are ninth on the ladder and St Kilda are 11th.

Four-time club best and fairest Jack Steven, captain Jarryn Geary, No.1 draft pick Paddy McCartin and All-Australian nominee Dylan Roberton are among the players missing from the Saints' line-up.

"What they (St Kilda) have been able to do is fantastic," said commentator Jimmy Bartel.

Lethlean was also asked on Sunday if Richardson would be sacked should their form not improve.

"I think that's a fair assessment for anyone involved in a football club. If their areas aren't improving, no one's role in any club's guaranteed," Lethlean said.

"That's probably fair, and I reckon Alan understands too, if we don't keep improving, we're all under the pump.

"That's a fair summary."

Australian Associated Press