St Kilda Chief Operating Officer Simon Lethlean says the club is pressing ahead with talks over a new deal for coach Brett Ratten.
Lethlean is confident that Ratten, who comes out of contract at the end of the season, is the right man to take the club forward.
The Saints have dropped from fourth to 10th after three straight losses post the mid-season bye.
Their latest defeat occurred on Saturday night at the hands of Sydney, kicking just four goals in the 51-point drubbing.
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“We’ve been pretty open with that all year. An out-of-contract senior coach is topical from pre-season onwards,” Lethlean told SEN Breakfast.
“We’ve taken our time with that process. We’ve been consistent I think in saying that for where we’re at now with our program and our list that we think ‘Ratts’ is our man.
“I doubt anyone would’ve challenged us on that a fortnight ago. Clearly that’s a debate that can now happen on the back of our form.
“But what I will say is we aren’t as reactive internally perhaps as the external footy world is and we’ll keep progressing down the path that we said we will with Brett and his management.
“I spoke to Brett last night, that’s still ticking on, but our focus and certainly his focus is arresting our form at the moment.
“We’re still heading down that path and we’re doing that with the right amount of diligence that we should.”
Lethlean was also asked if St Kilda will be making a play for Collingwood free agent Jordan De Goey.
Ratten confirmed last week that the Saints are considering De Goey as a trade target at season’s end.
“At this time of year, I think the process for all clubs is to assess all free agents and out-of-contract players, and we’re certainly doing that below the suitability and availability of players, and Jordan is one of those,” Lethlean said.
“We’re no more progressed in that assessment with him than we are with anyone else.
“I do know he’s a very good player. He does impact games. He’s got a fair bit going on at the moment, but we’re no more advanced in those thoughts than we are with anyone else that’s available at the moment.”
Lethlean denied that an offer has been tabled to the out-of-contract Magpie.