Seb Ross says that the Saints must take responsibility for the way they’ve been performing and work quickly to find a cohesive way forward.

With the 2021 season creating a new set of expectations and pressures for the club, Ross says that the playing group are searching to cement their on-field connection.

“We’re not where we want to be, but we’ve got to find a way,” Ross told media on Tuesday.

“Last year gave this group great confidence in where we can go (this year), but it’s a new season and the game’s changed.

“We’ve gone away from how we played last year, particularly with the footy and that dare.

“This group’s changed a lot in the last two or three years, and we’ve probably only played 25-30 games together, that sort of stuff takes time, but we’ve got to do it really quickly.”

With co-captain Jarryn Geary sidelined due to injury, younger leaders including fellow backmen Callum Wilkie and Dougal Howard have had to step up in his absence.

Ross said that the leadership group, including himself, will have to pave the way moving forward and set the standards for the team.

“We’re a new leadership group this year. Gears isn’t out there at the moment. He’s the real organiser of the group and the General down back that sets us up.  

“Cal Wilkie, Dougal Howard and even Steeley - they’re all still finding their way, their version of leading and finding their voice.

“That’ll come and those guys are working really hard.”

Ross said that spirits remain high amongst the playing group, despite a disappointing start to the season.

“We’re obviously really frustrated with the way we’re going, as I imagine a lot of our fans and supporters are, but in no certain terms is this place a crappy place to be at the moment.”

‘We love being back at Moorabbin, in terms of our spirit of place here, the players are coming to work each day, turning up and enjoying their time here.”

“Everyone’s loving being here.”

St Kilda is set for a boost to the senior side to face Hawthorn this week, with ruckman Paddy Ryder putting his hand up for selection.  

“Paddy’s enormous for us. He’s someone we’ve really missed in the first part of our year.

“We all know about his ruck work but it’s his stuff around the ground. He’s a really tough competitive unit and he gives us so much drive around stoppages once the ball hits the ground with his tackling pressure and follow up.”