ST KILDA boss Matt Finnis has called the renewed speculation around coach Alan Richardson unedifying, noting the team's clear improvement so far this season.
The Saints and Port Adelaide take 5-5 records in Sunday's third Shanghai match and St Kilda already have won one more game than last season.
We understand there will always be speculation around coaches, but I think it a little unedifying when it involves our coach and a coach who's been having a really good year - Matt Finnis
But as soon as news broke a week ago that Brad Scott was leaving North Melbourne, the Saints were mentioned as another club that might change their coach this season.
In the wake of last year's disastrous season, Richardson made changes and the Saints also put more support around him in the football program.
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St Kilda are mid-table despite the long-term absence of key players such as Jack Steven, Dylan Roberton, Paddy McCartin and Dan Hannebery.
"We couldn't be more pleased with our coaching program, which is led by Alan," said Finnis, the St Kilda chief executive.
"The challenges we've had with our personnel and availability, to be 5-5 ... a lot of Saints fans would have taken that, had you offered it to them before round one.
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"We understand there will always be speculation around coaches, but I think it a little unedifying when it involves our coach and a coach who's been having a really good year.
"Alan took it upon himself to improve in certain areas, the club took it upon ourselves to provide more support ... we're starting to see the results."
Hannebery, the Saints' big recruit, will finally play on Sunday in the VFL - his first game since leaving Sydney.
"I don't think there's been anyone more excited to play a game in Coburg as Dan Hannebery is this week," Finnis said.
"Saints fans will all be watching the game in Shanghai on Sunday, but they'll also be keeping a pretty close eye on what happens in the VFL."
Finnis also defended St Kilda's involvement in the Shanghai game, now in its third year.
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St Kilda have taken over from Gold Coast and have a three-year deal.
There are rumblings that the money spent on the China game would be better spent on grass-roots football.
But Finnis said it is a major opportunity to create more revenue for the Saints and boost their ability to help the game in bayside Melbourne.
"It grows our revenue and allows us to invest more back into our football program. It allows us to become a stronger football club," he said.
"People will start to see this is a smart strategy for St Kilda.
"This is only increasing and aiding our ability to invest in our football program and then also to invest in the support that we have ... in our community work."
