After we got Richo as our new coach following the dismissal of a deluded midget, the club finally came to the conclusion it had to cut its losses and rebuild in order to move forward. The catch-cry was "The Road to 2018", meaning that was the next viable and realistic chance of having a strong team in the competition. Sadly, it appears we'll be remaining in the category of mid table mediocrity.
By now, most of you are possibly thinking I am saying the end is nigh, well, I actually don't think that at all. I'm just sensing it will take a little longer than initially anticipated. There are actually plenty of positives to be taken from this, e.g. our list is a hell of a lot stronger than it was in 2013 and in continuing with the more long-term oriented list management, it can only improve from here. I suppose a bit of luck is involved in rebuilding. Some teams seem to get to do it a lot faster. Sure, they are generally the ones who are more well equipped with resources and have the right personnel at their disposal. They seem to find themselves getting a few heaven sent gifts along the way, like getting an absolute stud from a priority pick in the draft (we all know the draft is one huge lottery draw). Having an ideal list of players to recruit who are actually available at the right time. Clubs like Hawthorn just seem to get all the luck in this respect, but they are Hawthorn and we are not.
Having said all of the above, Alan Richardson's allotment of time in which he promised to put together a top four team (or at least a genuine finals contender) is fast approaching. In all honesty, I can't see him improving the team a hell of a lot more than 2017. Sure, there could be a chance the group of players could rise to the occasion, gel as a team and really find a way of excelling to that next level, but it is a massive ask. That is the best case scenario for Richo and if he can get that type of season from the lads, then he would prove himself a very worthy coach. In getting the team in the finals in 2018, perhaps it could make St.Kilda FC a very attractive place for a star free-agent to come in that off-season. In that situation, Richo would be signing on as coach and the premiership window may be in our sights. However, I see the most likely scenario being with us falling short of the finals once again and it would mean Richo had fallen short of delivering the promise he set about since the beginning of his coaching tenure with the Saints. With that outcome, the likelihood is we won't be requiring his service as coach any longer. It would seem harsh, as the Richo we've come to know and respect has had a fantastic working relationship with his players, staff and supporters collectively. But that is the cold harsh reality of this unforgiving, cutthroat industry.
We're in for a fascinating next 12 months of Saints footy. Buckle up and try to stick it out, as we're not all that far from seeing the light!
![Image](http://i.imgur.com/cfgrbUI.jpg)