ST KILDA'S players should be under fire for the side's dismal start to the season, stand-in skipper Seb Ross believes, with the midfielder saying he and his teammates feel "really sorry" for the predicament coach Alan Richardson is in.

Richardson has come under fire for being in charge of a group that was supposed to contend for finals but has instead won just once and drawn another game in 12 matches this year.

Ross told reporters at RSEA Park on Monday that Saints players' were behind Richardson, who was re-signed until the end of 2020 last October.

"As a playing group, we feel really sorry for Richo at the moment and the rest of the coaching staff, because we know they're putting their heart and soul into trying to figure out what's going on and try to turn this thing around," Ross said.

"I think as a playing group we need to take a lot more responsibility. I know Richo will cop the brunt of the heat, but I think as a playing group we should be the ones copping most of the heat because we're the ones that aren't performing on the weekend.

"The coaches are doing their best and working their butts off to try and coach us well, which they are.

"Richo still has the full backing of the guys."

Richardson has won just 34 of 100 games as St Kilda coach.

Ross declared Saturday night's pummelling at the hands of Sydney by 71 points was the team's worst effort of 2018. 

"I've been at the club for seven years now and I've finished on the bottom of the ladder a couple of times, so there have been a few (bad games) in there, but I think particularly just the way this year has gone, it would be probably our most disappointing performance this year, for sure," he said. 

St Kilda travels to Metricon Stadium to face Gold Coast on Saturday before taking its bye. 

Key defender Jake Carilsle is set to return from suspension while Nathan Brown, who was concussed against the Swans, could yet face the Suns. 

"Browny's in today. He said he's feeling OK. Obviously he'll just undergo the tests and protocols that we usually do," Ross said. 

Meanwhile, axed forward Jack Billings went back to the VFL and racked up 53 disposals and three goals against Frankston on Sunday. 

"It's good for Jack to go back yesterday and find some confidence in his form. I don't know what selection looks like this week, but that was a pretty impressive performance," Ross said.