Ratten relaxed over Saints contract talks

St Kilda coach Brett Ratten says he is “very relaxed” about his future at the AFL club amid ongoing contract talks between the two parties.

Leon Cameron’s departure from GWS was the first domino to fall this year in a move that could kick-start the coaching merry-go-round.

Clubs are keeping tabs on coaching great Alastair Clarkson, who is open to returning to the caper in 2023.

But Ratten, now in his fourth season at St Kilda, appears in a strong position to extend his tenure after an impressive 7-3 start to the campaign.

It has the Saints in fifth spot on the ladder as they prepare for Sunday’s clash with North Melbourne.

“I hope I do stay there but we’ll work through that,” Ratten told Fox Footy on Monday night.

“The length (of a new deal) will be worked out and the numbers will be worked out.

“But we’re just chatting at the moment and going through that.”

Ratten entered the final year of his existing deal under huge pressure to lift the Saints back into the finals following an underwhelming 2021 campaign.

Club president Andrew Bassat added unnecessary expectation with his bold call during a poor run last year that 2022 is when their premiership window would open.

The response so far has been positive.

Ratten, who wore feedback during a club-wide mid-season review last year and adapted his approach, is comfortable in his position.

“I’m very relaxed. I’m not worried about it (the contract),” the 50-year-old said.

“I’ve been too worried about North Melbourne this week, so let’s worry about North Melbourne and that will take care of itself.”

In the meantime, Ratten is putting in place the building blocks he hopes will ultimately deliver St Kilda’s first premiership since 1966.

“What we’re trying to build is a team that’s working for each other and the environment is just as important as what happens out on the field,” Ratten said.

“Trying to create that is really important and we’ve got some really good people at our football club.

“It’s not just the coach, it’s the people around you that make it as well.”