ST KILDA was 'beaten up' by the hard-nosed Kangaroos in a disastrous first quarter, according to a downbeat Alan Richardson, who lamented his side's lack of intensity in the opening term at Blundstone Arena.

The Saints leaked seven goals and trailed by 40 points at the first break, closing the gap somewhat during a spirited run in the second and third quarters before going down by 39 points in Hobart.

It was another disappointing night at the office for Alan Richardson. Picture: AFL Photos

While a six-goal effort from Josh Bruce and club-record 18 tackles laid by Jack Steele were highlights on the day, Richardson found it difficult to look past his side's slow start.

"Didn't turn up with the intensity the Kangaroos did, they were way too physical for us at the start of the game," he said.

"Beaten up quarter one, scrapped and got back into the game, shot ourselves in the foot with our own ball use, certainly in the second half of the game when we were back in the contest."

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A stern message at quarter-time seemed to resonate with St Kilda players and they rallied to reduce the deficit to within three goals shortly after half-time, but North rose again and effectively ended the contest before the final change.

"I got to the group pretty quickly (at quarter-time) and spoke about how disappointing we'd been in terms of our hunger and our willingness to sacrifice," Richardson said.

"We were poor (and) they were outstanding in that space.

"I expected this group and the way we trained during the week, a much stronger performance, certainly early in the game when the game was up for grabs, when you needed to set the scene and that was the really disappointing part."

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The Saints face a daunting trip to GMHBA Stadium next weekend where the table-topping Cats will be looking to atone for their shock loss to the Bulldogs on Saturday night, and Richardson made it perfectly clear what kind of response he expects from his playing group.

"We need to make sure we're really strong at the start," he said.

"It'll be much more about us and how disappointed we were, certainly in the physicality stakes early. We got shown up there (today) so that's what we'll be looking for (in Geelong)."