St Kilda must take a step forward this season, with the responsibility lying not just with the senior players, but with every player on the list and the entire coaching staff, according to Captain Nick Riewoldt.

Under the guidance of Senior Coach Alan Richardson, the Saints have methodically gone about a rebuilding phase in the last couple of seasons as they strive to march back up the ladder and become a finals contestant in the not too distant future.

On the back of a 2015 campaign which reaped 6 and half wins, exceeding many external expectations, Riewoldt is adamant the Saints must continue to develop their talent this year, although it will be up to the next generation to grasp their opportunity and take the next step.

“We need to take another step with our improvement. We’ve gone down a really clear path of rebuilding, we’ve been really transparent with our fans and with the AFL community on what that looks like,” Riewoldt told the media on Tuesday.

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“So this year’s about getting more development into those (young) players and seeing some of those players take a step in their career and really start to establish themselves as bona-fide senior AFL players.

“Everyone’s got a responsibility within that; the coaches to develop the players; the senior players to mentor them in the right way and the young guys to take up the challenge and prepare like professionals and go out and perform. Everyone’s got a role to play and we’re confident that they’ll be able to do that.”

Sunday’s match cancellation against Brisbane in Mackay has generated debate in recent days, with some sections of the media suggesting the regional fixtures have the potential to jeopardise clubs preparations ahead of the premiership season.

On the eve of his 15th season in the game, and on the cusp of becoming a 300-game player, Riewoldt acknowledged the importance of taking AFL to the community, despite the unfortunate cancellation which has followed the Saints during the pre-season competition in recent years.

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“I think as a senior player and someone that’s been involved in the game for a long time, you understand the value as far as the community and growing the game and the responsibility that we have there,” Riewoldt said.

“Whilst it’s not ideal, it can’t be helped. We’ve been to Wangaratta before and got washed out for different reasons, we’ve been at Etihad and ice came flying through under the roof, we’ve been to Geelong and almost been washed out.

“So I think it’s just one of those unavoidable things. But the responsibility to take the game to the people is what makes our game great.”

After not playing against North Melbourne in St Kilda’s only pre-season fixture thus far, the six-time best and fairest winner is set to be part of a near full strength outfit that faces Melbourne on Sunday in the Saints’ final hit out ahead of Round 1.