THE STATS don't lie, and Alan Richardson says St Kilda now has to face up to the fact his side struggles playing interstate.
The Saints' 40-point loss against Gold Coast on Saturday was their fifth straight away from Melbourne this season, including hidings from West Coast and Adelaide.
Richardson said he preferred to look at the nature of the performances rather than where they were played, but they could hide no longer.
"We can't deny that (we play worse interstate). They're performances that we don't think we've been at our best," Richardson said.
"It's a bit too consistent now.
Five talking points: Gold Coast v St Kilda
"We've got a really good blend of maturity and young guys. Often with a young team the travel can be an issue but (Nick) Riewoldt, (Leigh) Montagna, (Jarryn) Geary, (Sam) Gilbert and some of that next group that are pushing through – (Seb) Ross played 50 games last week - there's that next generation of players coming through.
WATCH: Alan Richardson's full post-match press conference
"We've got some younger guys, but we don't travel (this season) again.
"At this stage we're playing at home but it's something we'll have a look at."
Richardson said the performance was more disappointing given last week's showing in upsetting Geelong.
Gold Coast had 90 more uncontested possessions than the Saints and ran them ragged.
"They were able to get the game on their terms," he said.
"The uncontested marks are testament to that.
"It's very hard to pressure when they're kicking and marking the ball.
"That was probably our greatest disappointment, that we weren't able to get the game back into a game where we had the opportunity to put on pressure.
"Their midfield just blew our midfield apart.
"We're disappointed in our performance but they were hard to play against today."
