WINGMAN Farren Ray admitted in last Thursday's preview that St Kilda’s upcoming clash with Essendon was the Saints biggest test of the year.

After collecting 25 disposals in the 16-point victory, it is clear Ray passed the test with flying colours.

It’s been 14 AFL games since the 28-year-old gathered fewer than 20 touches in a match, but when asked about his own form on SEN’s Morning Glory on Tuesday, Ray preferred to highlight the work of his teammates and new coach this year.

St Kilda had eight players with less than 20 games of experience on the weekend, while Essendon fielded four.

“Right now we have got a good balance between some older guys performing and young guys stepping up,” Ray Said.

“Luke Dunstan has been solid, Jack Billings was really good on the weekend and Eli Templeton has also been good.

“When Richo walked through the door he really did get the older players on side. And we thought ‘you know what, this is good, we are going to buy in with whatever he’s got.”

So with Ken Hinkley’s approach to Port Adelaide’s older brigade in 2013 ringing in his ears, Richardson increased the demands placed upon Riewoldt and co, rather than decreased their role.

“Richo has sort of sat back and really let the leadership group – Nick Riewoldt, Leigh Montagna, Sean Dempster, Lenny Hayes – do part of our review these days,” Ray said.

“It’s really good. It is honest feedback when you get it from a coach, but when you get it from a player, and I guess a mate, it hits even harder.”

After St Kilda’s 86-point loss to Adelaide, the first-year coach lamented his charges’ effort and Ray agreed with his assessment.

“All we need to do is bring effort each week and we are going to be competitive against most sides… We are not thinking too far ahead. We are just going to stay in the moment and we’ve got Brisbane this week. It’s a massive game on Anzac Day and we’re happy to be a part of it. Then we will go from there.”

“I’ve been really jealous the last few years watching Essendon and Collingwood play. Wellington is a really good spot and we’ve really made that our own. Hopefully Richo puts a little Anzac Day spin on it.”