St Kilda senior coach Brett Ratten is currently in discussions with the Saints in regards to a new contract past this season.
The former Carlton coach remains out-of-contract this year, with his prospects seen to be leaning on a finals finish prior to Round 1.
Despite an early hiccup against Collingwood in the Saints' season opener, Ratten has steered the red, white and black into a comfortable position in the top half of the competition, having claimed seven wins in 10 rounds.
Victories over Geelong, Fremantle and Richmond have been a highlight for Ratten's men across the course of this season, with the club looking to return to the finals picture after a discouraging 2021 campaign.
The resurgence under Ratten has placed little doubt over the 50-year-old's future at Moorabbin, with he and the club now having opened negotiations on a new deal.
Speaking on Fox Footy this week, Ratten expressed his desire to remain at the helm of the Saints, with details around his next contract a matter of length rather than likelihood.
"I hope I do stay there but we'll work through that," he said 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 has recorded a win rate of 53.57% from 56 games in the hot seat, with last year's 10-12 record and 10th placed finish the only losing season in his time with the club.
This season the Saints have seen a number of recently maligned figures emerge as stalwarts in their September push, with veteran midfielder duo Seb Ross and Brad Hill among those holding down key roles after previously facing questions over their place at AFL level.
Ratten has also been able to blood youth into his planning, with emerging superstar forward Max King, goalsneak Jack Higgins and draftees Marcus Windhager and Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera leading a charge for the future.
As a collective, with both players and staff in mind, Ratten believes his side can move into an era that will warrant a wealthy return for their efforts.
"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."
The Saints are scheduled to face North Melbourne at Marvel Stadium on Sunday at 1:10pm AEST.
