AS EXPECTATIONS at St Kilda continue to rise, coach Alan Richardson says the club won't back away from its aggressive game style.

With many predicting the Saints to claim yet another wooden spoon this year, the young group is already exceeding expectations. 

Three spirited wins, including two come-from-behind victories in recent weeks, have the Saints in 14th position on the ladder with three wins after 10 rounds.

While St Kilda might have been outclassed by Hawthorn on Sunday, there was plenty of pluck in the young side. 

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The Saints played a possession game against the Hawks, finishing with 32 more uncontested marks and 50 more disposals, and while they tried to take calculated risks at times, they lacked the polish of the Hawks.

But with their next three games all at Etihad Stadium against Melbourne, Western Bulldogs and Essendon, there's no reason why the fast-improving Saints can't find themselves 6-7 after round 14.

"Clearly expectations have risen in our camp," Richardson said after the loss to Hawthorn on Sunday.

"We haven't been great all year but we've been strong in periods of games. Sometimes we've ended up winning, sometimes that hasn't happened.

"We want to be aggressive in our attack on the opposition. Aggressive in the way that we use the footy and that probably cost us at times [against the Hawks] but we're going to keep playing that way."

WATCH: Alan Richardson's full post-match media conference

Expectations on midfielder Jack Steven continue to rise as well. 

The 25-year-old was outstanding against the Hawks, gathering a game-high 38 disposals in his 100th match and was no doubt their most influential player. 

"Jack was good today," Richardson said. 

"He works really hard for us. Part of the reason we're able to get a numerical advantage statistically was his run and his spread. He was our highest clearance winner with seven and he was able to use the footy reasonably effectively when he had it.

"He's in good form, there's no doubt about that." 

The Saints face the Demons next weekend before their bye in round 12 and Richardson said it was the perfect opportunity for the group to bounce back.