Despite a string of off-field controversies over the off-season, the latest when Sam Fisher was king-hit at a nightclub last weekend, Riewoldt said the players would have no problem focussing on football when St Kilda's season kicks off against Geelong next Friday night.
"Clearly it's not ideal," Riewoldt said at Etihad Stadium on Thursday. "But our focus turns to footy and preparing.
"I spoke to Lingy (Geelong captain Cameron Ling) earlier and they're certainly ready and raring to go.
"We've got a healthy respect and rivalry with them, so that's what our focus is on at the moment. We don't dwell on those (off-field) types of incidents."
Riewoldt said the Saints' players still believe they are capable of claiming the club's first premiership since 1966, but admitted the challenge gets greater as the group gets older.
"The motivation is as it has been over the past few years: clearly we're still chasing that ultimate prize," he said.
"We've come very close on the past two occasions and we know we've got the capacity to get back there because we've done it once before.
"Ross has spoken about this being our biggest challenge to date, and clearly that's the case.
"We're another year older, but that means another year's experience, and we've added some exciting young guys, so we're up to the challenge."
The Saints will be missing injured big men Justin Koschitzke and Michael Gardiner as well as suspended goal sneak Adam Schneider for the Cats clash, but Riewoldt said the opportunity to blood new players would help the team improve.
Among those to have impressed during the pre-season are former Cat Ryan Gamble, young ruckman Daniel Archer and first round NAB AFL Draft selection Jamie Cripps.
"I think we've added some real flexibility to our team, we've recruited well," Riewoldt said.
"We've got some exciting young kids, which I suppose when you're a successful team as we have been in the past couple of years, it's hard for those guys to break into the team.
"But I think we've got some really quality young guys that'll come in."
