Richardson has wasted little time in establishing himself in his new role – overseeing the two drafts, as well as leading his team to Colorado for an intense team workout.
The Saints coach has made a point of establishing relationships with his players on the trip as he gets to understand how they function as individuals.
"It has been a great opportunity to spend quality time with the players. When you join a footy club it can often take a while but given that I have been eating and spending a lot of time with the guys, it has been invaluable,” Richardson told saints.com.au.
He said the personal meetings had been vital.
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"Every guy has got to see me over the duration of the camp and I have been able to get through to them, predominantly the younger guys.
"I have been able to meet the senior guys back at Seaford so the younger guys have booked in for 15 minutes to sit down and have a chat about their footy and about them as young men."
The Saints have had to navigate some difficult conditions in Colorado – including some heavy snow storms.
"I have been super impressed with the way they have embraced everything we have thrown at them both physically and mentally," Richardson said.
"The weather has thrown up some challenges and they have been super."
Richardson said the development of the club's younger players, in particular their leadership capabilities, would be crucial in determining the club's future successes.
"That is imperative. There is no doubt about that. Our more senior guys are going to play a really significant role in the culture and environment we create and provide opportunities for those younger blokes to come through," he said.
"Jack Steven had an outstanding year last year and we need him to continue not only with his footy form but his ability to have an impact on the group from a leadership perspective.
"David Armitage is another one who already is a really impressive leader in his own right. We need him to continue to develop and there are probably three or four more around that age group who will need to push through."
Twitter: @AFL_BenGuthrie
"Every guy has got to see me over the duration of the camp and I have been able to get through to them, predominantly the younger guys.
"I have been able to meet the senior guys back at Seaford so the younger guys have booked in for 15 minutes to sit down and have a chat about their footy and about them as young men."
The Saints have had to navigate some difficult conditions in Colorado – including some heavy snow storms.
"I have been super impressed with the way they have embraced everything we have thrown at them both physically and mentally," Richardson said.
"The weather has thrown up some challenges and they have been super."
Richardson said the development of the club's younger players, in particular their leadership capabilities, would be crucial in determining the club's future successes.
"That is imperative. There is no doubt about that. Our more senior guys are going to play a really significant role in the culture and environment we create and provide opportunities for those younger blokes to come through," he said.
"Jack Steven had an outstanding year last year and we need him to continue not only with his footy form but his ability to have an impact on the group from a leadership perspective.
"David Armitage is another one who already is a really impressive leader in his own right. We need him to continue to develop and there are probably three or four more around that age group who will need to push through."
Twitter: @AFL_BenGuthrie
