FORMER Richmond defender Jake Batchelor has joined St Kilda's new-look coaching panel for 2019.

Batchelor, 26, will take on the role of defensive development coach after a season with Frankston in the VFL as a playing assistant.

The key defender was delisted by the Tigers after 84 senior games at the end of 2017, playing one game in the premiership campaign.

Batchelor spent time at Moorabbin in the second half of 2018, courtesy of a direct link to Frankston head coach Adam Skrobalak, also a part-time ruck coach with the Saints.

Skrobolak will relinquish the reins at Frankston, just one season into a two-year deal to take on a full-time development role with the Saints' midfielders in 2019.

"We were really keen to increase Adam's role at the club, and I know our players really enjoy working with him," St Kilda head of football Simon Lethlean said.

"The experience of coaching his own side this season will be a huge asset for him and for us heading into next year.

"Jake is someone not long out of the game who we've got to know through his involvement this season.

"He's just come out of the system, so we think he can play an important role in helping develop our young defenders."

Skrobolak and Batchelor will be joined by Brett Ratten and Brendon Lade at the Saints next season in the revamped coaching group under Alan Richardson. 

Adam Kingsley has departed for Richmond, while Simon McPhee, Rohan Welsh and Lindsay Gilbee were told they're no longer required. 

St Kilda's pre-season will begin on November 5 for first-to-fourth-year players with the rest of the group required back by November 19.