Ross Lyon's side went into the mid-season break under more pressure than any other team in the competition.

On the eve of this season the Saints were touted as top-four contenders and a chance for the premiership in Lyon's first year as senior coach.

But, on the back of four straight losses, it's a long way to finals footy, let alone flags, for the 4-7 Saints.

A volatile situation between Lyon's predecessor, Grant Thomas, and the club was also bubbling away as the players headed away for four days respite.

Now the Saints are preparing to tackle the toughest task in footy, heading west for a clash with West Coast, themselves smarting from a last start loss to Essendon.

As the media waited for Lyon to enter the dim room hosting Wednesday afternoon's press conference at Moorabbin an equally gloomy coach was expected.

Perhaps the break did Lyon more good than anyone else in the game. While this wasn't quite up to the standards set by 'Reverend' Neale Daniher up the road at Junction Oval in recent times, it was certainly a more relaxed Lyon.

When the opening question failed to come within seconds of him taking his seat, Lyon quipped: "Beautiful, there's nothing on."

As the question-and-answer session continued the coach was more interested in promoting the potent pairing of Justin Koschitzke and Nick Riewoldt in attack than carping about the unavailability of spearhead Fraser Gehrig.

Then there was Robert Harvey, set to play his 350th game if he can overcome a hamstring injury.

Does the flight to Perth come into consideration when assessing whether to take the former skipper's selection?

"No, there are plenty of seats to get him on the plane," Lyon grinned.

And what about the wide open ground and powerful West Coast midfield, any concerns for coach or dual Brownlow medal winner?

"For me? If I was running out there I'd be petrified, I can't run out of sight. It's frightening when you look at how big it is."

"I don't think too many players or teams have held fears for Robert Harvey over the years."

Matt Maguire is set to play in the VFL this week for the Casey Scorpions and Lyon encouraged the media to find time to get a glimpse of his key defender in action.

"He'll play up in Bendigo this weekend. It's a nice two-and-a-half hour drive if you want to go and have a look at him."

Perhaps one-time presidential challenger and comedian Steve Bedwell left some of his sharpest material around the St Kilda headquarters recently.

Lyon did knuckle down in the 15-minute session and understands the enormity of the challenge his side faces.

"I don't think it gets much bigger, does it? The premier team, Subiaco, coming off a loss. They're a very proud club and they'll have a fanatical home crowd."

"Mathematically we're well and truly still in it, but you've got to string some games (wins) together."