ST KILDA coach Alan Richardson won't chastise Adam Schneider for missing two crucial shots late in Sunday's two-point loss to Essendon.

Schneider missed a set shot with six minutes left in the final term from directly in front, which would have given the Saints a 10-point lead if he'd converted.

The Bombers promptly rebounded and goaled through Travis Colyer, which gave them a one-point advantage.

Then, Schneider failed to cleanly gather a bouncing ball at the top of the goalsquare, fumbled, and shanked it through for a point with just over two minutes left.

Richardson said it was disappointing, but added the 30-year-old deserved leeway after proving his commitment over the off-season.

"If you have someone miss shots like that but they're not doing the work on the training track, you get incredibly frustrated," Richardson said.

"Of course we're disappointed and he'd be incredibly disappointed, but he's doing the work so he gives himself every opportunity.

"He missed them today, (but) he'll get them next time."

Schneider was delisted by the Saints at the end of last season and given no guarantees he'd be retained as a rookie until after the November NAB AFL Draft.

Richardson said Schneider handled the challenging situation with aplomb and had proven very handy with Nick Riewoldt missing the past three games with a calf injury.

"'Schneids' is a pro. He's come into this season with a bit of uncertainty," he said.

"He had to spend two months in the wilderness really. We didn't have him on the list. We had to make a decision.

"We didn't know we were going to miss Riewoldt for this time but still needed some experience in the front end given that even with 'Rooey', we're incredibly young.

"It's the work he does off the ball for others, and I'm not just talking about physical work, it's the way he coaches others, the work he's done with [Jack] Lonie behind the scenes.

"He's a ripper and he's out there whenever he's able to, working on his craft.

"Because of injury, he's had the opportunity to play and he's been outstanding for us."

Richardson was pleased with how the Saints performed against Essendon after playing conservatively in past weeks when challenged after a positive start.

While the Saints' defence was solid for most of the game, he was disappointed with a couple of errors late given they knew 51 per cent of the Bombers' scores came from an attack that started down back.

He rued the Coyler rebound goal, which came after a major from David Zaharakis that was obtained through another kick-in from full back earlier in the final term.

"They were really aggressive going through the corridor," he said.

"That was a real focus for us, to own that part of the ground offensively and try and get turnovers.

"For big parts, we were able to get it back but just a couple of guys didn't quite switch on quick enough and they'll learn from that.

"It's a tough lesson."

Riewoldt and Leigh Montagna are both realistic chances to return for next Saturday's clash against the Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium.