VETERAN Sam Gilbert says former St Kilda captain Nick Riewoldt is wrong in his claims that players need to be harder on each other in their game reviews.
While Gilbert has only played five AFL games this season, he says their post-match internal feedback has been focused on helping the team improve.
"I've played a lot of footy with Roo, and he's an incredible leader and an incredible bloke and a good friend of mine, and that's his opinion," Gilbert said on Wednesday.
"He's totally entitled to that.
"But I see internally in every review we have, we are trying to improve and Richo (coach Alan Richardson) is really pushing to improve as a team.
"Rooey has been part of the team for a long period and he's entitled to his opinion, but every week we want to improve and that's what we go in to do and that's been the main focus all year."
Riewoldt claimed the Saints' review sessions following their round 12 71-point loss to Sydney "wouldn't be very brutal at all, in my opinion".
He said his definition of a brutal review was different to the current players, and he had been "really frustrated" by that over his last few years at the club.
Gilbert said he hoped Saturday night's thrilling two-point win over Gold Coast would prove to be a turning point for the team.
"It's definitely a step in the right direction," he said.
"Sometimes you just need a win to get the ball rolling, and it's given us that opportunity.
"We've been working so hard this year and it obviously hasn't quite worked for us on the field, but I get to see the boys and how hard they work and Richo every single day, and to get the win like that is great for the club and the boys,"
"I think it just shows some of the hard work we've put in and that we did have a good pre-season and we are fit enough.
"It gives us a bit of peace of mind that we can compete."
Meanwhile, Gilbert wants to play on for a 14th season, either at St Kilda or elsewhere.
The 202-game veteran is out of contract and will turn 32 in August, which leaves him as the Saints' oldest player.
"I haven't got a manager and I haven't spoken to the club yet," he said.
"I'm in no rush. I like to wait until the end of the year and then we'll sit down and have a chat, and I'm sure whatever the decision is, it will be mutual.
"I haven't lost my passion at all so it's something I'd love to continue to do, but it's not completely in my control.
"I think I'm good enough to be out there with the boys. I think it shows that you do need leadership and maturity in the backline and I think I do bring that.
"I haven't at this stage lost my pace, so I'd really like to be part of it and help the younger boys develop in whatever role that is."
Gilbert had surgery to repair a torn ligament in his right thumb last month.
Gilbert took part in an early morning yoga session on Wednesday as part of the AFL Players' Association's launch of its partnership with athletic brand Lululemon
