We’ll never know for sure, but Alan Richardson would have had every reason for feeling as perplexed as he was peeved when he dissects the vision from Friday night’s whitewash against Essendon.

It was not only hard to explain; it was hard to watch.

In this most bizarre of seasons where wild fluctuations and form reversals have become the norm, the difference between the best and worst of most teams has been as stark as ever before.

St Kilda gave us their full gamut in the space of six days. Last Saturday night the Saints were at their intoxicating best.

Richardson says Essendon 'embarrassed' his team
The Age, Anthony Colangelo
July 15

A frustrated St Kilda coach Alan Richardson says his side was "embarrassed" by Essendon on Friday night, in a performance where he said the Saints "couldn't stop" the Bombers run.

"If you don't turn up with enormous energy and a willingness to defend, a willingness to work then you're going to get embarrassed," Richardson said after the 61-point loss. "That's what happened. In some ways that's being disrespectful to the Bombers.

Saints need to be better than that: Richardson
afl.com.au, Nathan Schmook
July 15

St Kilda was left embarrassed on Friday night after turning up against Essendon without energy and lacking a willingness to defend or work, according to coach Alan Richardson.

The Saints' four-game run of wins came to a screeching halt and their 67-point crushing of Richmond just six days ago was quickly forgotten as the Bombers cruised to a 61-point win at Etihad Stadium.

The Saints now face the tough task of rebounding against Sydney at the SCG next Saturday in a crunch game, with their position in the top eight suddenly under threat.