St Kilda will back struggling forward Justin Koschitzke "to the hilt" in his bid to regain form.

With main spearhead Nick Riewoldt missing for much of the season with a serious hamstring injury, Koschitzke was expected to pick up much of the slack.

But he has managed to kick just 7.8 from seven matches and was held goalless in last weekend's win over Adelaide.

Koschitzke's best performance resulted in just 15 disposals against Essendon in round eight.

But St Kilda assistant coach Stephen Silvagni says the club will stand by the big forward and is convinced his best is not far off.

"He's probably not in great form but what he's giving is effort and that's all we ask," Silvagni said on Tuesday.

"When he's giving effort his good form is just around the corner.

"He did some good things (against Adelaide last week), he's playing to our structures and as long as he's doing that we're happy with that result."

Silvagni said Koschitzke was frustrated by working hard with little result.

"When a guy is struggling it probably is a little bit of confidence but he's training really hard so while he's doing that and working really hard on the ground on match day we know it's going to turn fairly quickly," he said.

"We weren't disappointed with his form on the weekend.

"He brought the ball to ground to give our smaller players a chance to crumb and worked really hard when he went into the ruck.

"As long as he gives that effort he is bringing we're happy with that.

"As long as he's giving that we'll support him to the hilt.

"Obviously he's not taking his eight or 10 marks but we know that's not far away."

The Saints will need to make a change to their defence for Friday's clash against Richmond with fullback Zac Dawson almost certain to miss with a sprained ankle.

Dawson would likely have got the job on in-form Tigers spearhead Jack Riewoldt, who is tied for fifth on the goalkicking table with 29 majors.

The improving Tigers won their first match of the season last weekend against Port Adelaide.

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