St Kilda coach Alan Richardson has dismissed a week of negative headlines and circling sharks, saying his only pressure comes from their poor AFL form.
After finishing just outside the top eight last season, the Saints have plummeted to the bottom four and end the year with tough games against Hawthorn and North Melbourne.
They are coming off losses to the Western Bulldogs and Essendon where they fell away badly through the middle of the game.
St Kilda have not made the finals since 2011 and former coach Grant Thomas was scathing this week, saying they are decades away from their second premiership.
Saints legend Nick Riewoldt also said this week the situation is dire at Moorabbin.
But Richardson is playing a straight bat to the scrutiny on his tenure.
"I feel pressure because our team's not consistent - that's my focus, not on what people say about me, not what people say about our footy club," he said.
"My pressure's real, it's about how we can (get) the best out of the team on a more consistent basis.
"That's where I feel the heat."
Richardson also backed club president Peter Summers amid talk of potential board rumblings.
"There's much more control at our footy club than what the external noise would suggest," Richardson said.
The Saints have started overhauling their assistant coaching panel under Richardson.
He would not confirm speculation about former Carlton coach Brett Ratten possibly joining the Saints.
"There's going to be a need for change," Richardson said.
"We'll look at any sort of talent, whether that be on field or off field, to improve our list."
The Saints aim to be key players in free agency, trades and the draft after this season.
They are linked heavily to Sydney midfielder Dan Hannebery.
Despite their woes, Richardson is upbeat about a quick turnaround.
"Our leaders have had some really significant challenges and they're going to be better for this," he said.
"Right now, they'd be certainly feeling a bit of pressure, but that's going to be good for them.
"If, as we've stated publicly, we can make sure we're really strong (post-season) and make good decisions, I'm confident this group can rebound really quickly."
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