THIS week’s match against West Coast is a perfect chance for St Kilda’s young players to respond to last week’s poor performance against North Melbourne according to coach Scott Watters.

The Saints conceded nine opening quarter goals in the loss to the Kangaroos which Watters said could end up serving as a valuable lesson to his young charges.

“It will be interesting to see how we back up as well. We were very disappointed in our first quarter last week and the playing group was able to stablise after quarter-time,” he said.

“The first quarter has had a lot of review put into it this week. It’s a steep learning curve for a lot of our younger players to go through that type of quarter. Ultimately you get the chance to respond and learn from it so we are looking forward to playing this week.”

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The Saints coach admitted team selection would be difficult in the week following the heavy loss – with performance to be weighed against development.

“I think it’s one of the toughest selection calls you make each week on younger players. Do you back them in and continue to trust them? You do have to do that, otherwise every young player would be out every second week,” he said.

“At the same time there are certain standards and non-negotiables that players need to deliver so you have to weigh them up as well. There are still a number of players who we know aren’t perfect but they are players who will continue to grow and many of them will grow in front of your eyes every week that they play.”

One crucial aspect of the young players’ development has been the leadership shown by Nick Riewoldt who has been in top form this season.

Watters said the Saints skipper has led the way both in games and around the club.

“I thought he was terrific last year and I have said this before that the way he led last year was selfless and he was still able to maintain a high level of performance,” he said.

“He is very committed to the next group of players coming through but he is also maintaining a really high standard of performance which is the best type of leadership. He is working with our younger players like Tom Lee and Spencer White and is bringing them on. He has been outstanding as a captain on and off the field.”