Blues great Brendan Fevola has made a bold statement on the opening day of the 2019 AFL season, stating that one AFL coach's job is under serious strife pending round one results.
The former Carlton and Brisbane forward doesn't think St Kilda coach Alan Richardson will be their head coach if the Saints lose to Gold Coast at Marvel Stadium this weekend.
St Kilda (16th) finished one spot higher than Gold Coast (17th) last year, but the Suns are heading into the season as wooden-spoon favourites.
Fevola believes that new St Kilda president Andrew Bassat will "take no prisoners" in season 2019, and an early season upset could force the club to show their hand and sack Richardson.
Richardson began his journey at the Saints back in season 2014, the club has missed the top-eight the past eight seasons, causing Fevola to suggest a change might come soon.
"If they lose to the Gold Coast, Richo will be gone. Bassat, their president, takes no prisoners," Fevola said on Channel 9's The Footy Show last night.
"If they lose to them then they are finishing bottom. Get rid of him and get someone else in.
“Ratts (Brett Ratten)… he was at the Blues and did a great job. He went to the Hawks and the Hawks speak so highly of Ratts, he was awesome for their midfield.”
The former Carlton player and coach has spent the past six years with Hawthorn, but crossed to the Saints last August - and would be the best fit if what Fevola suggests does occur.
Essendon champion Matthew Lloyd said Fevola's comments were "ridiculous", and it wouldn't be smart for St Kilda to sack their coach directly after round one.
"He is safe yes. Lucky you're not on the board at St Kilda... It's crazy." Lloyd said.
