Alan Richardson’s tenure as St Kilda coach is coming to an end, AFL identity Rodney Eade says.

Richardson is the latest coach under fierce scrutiny following the Saints’ disappointing loss to Brisbane on Saturday.

“The narrative is not great. He is being lined up and I would think internally that his papers have been stamped,” Eade told RSN radio on Monday.

Richardson is contracted until the end of the 2020 season but his deal is understood to include a caveat that he must win a final this season to continue.

“I feel for Richo because having been in that situation myself it’s a blood sport,” said Eade, who has coached at three AFL clubs.

“For the media to start it a couple of weeks ago, there is no doubt they have spoken to people internally, that is how it works.

“So that is the feeling, that it (Richardon’s removal) will probably happen at some stage which is unfortunate.”

Eade believed the win-a-final trigger clause was unrealistic given the lack of depth in the playing list at St Kilda, who are currently 11th with six wins and five losses.

“Their expectations are too high,” he said.

“I know they have said they have got to win a final and that sort of stuff but realistically some people picked them to finish bottom and certainly in the bottom two or three.

“And to win six games – some people didn’t think they were going to win six for the year.

“It will be interesting to see what happens, hopefully for his sake they don’t fall off a cliff and they get some beltings as they go forward now.

“I don’t think their list is great and they have had some injuries, some mental health issues to some really good players.

“And they’re a side that can’t afford to have those types of players out.”