Robert Harvey is warming to the idea of one day becoming an AFL senior coach.

After cutting his teeth with two years as an assistant at Carlton under Brett Ratten, Harvey has returned to St Kilda - the club where he won two Brownlow Medals in a stellar 383-game career - in a similar role.

And after that, who knows?

"I obviously had that two years at Carlton so I've got a good grounding," Harvey said on Wednesday.

"I've got a feel for what it's about but I really just want to launch into this term at St Kilda and give it my all and (see) what comes of that.

"I certainly haven't ruled (senior coaching) out. I want to press on and do what I can in the coaching side of it.

"It's been greatly beneficial for me, what I learnt at the early days of Carlton, to be able to take into this little period at St Kilda, it's just something you can't pick up.

"I've learnt a lot and it's been important for me to get away and learn that."

Just weeks into his new role, Harvey said he could already see how focused the St Kilda players were to go one step further in 2011 after the heart-breaking loss in the grand final replay to Collingwood.

"Obviously it's going to take a bit but this is a tough bunch," he said.

"I think the hardest part is getting going again.

"Now they've blown out the cobwebs from a bitter disappointment they're into it again and now the ball's rolling I think it gets easier for them.

"I think they've got what it takes to challenge again and I know that they are driven to do that."

Despite playing in both grand finals, small utility Robert Eddy was axed by the Saints, only to be thrown a lifeline in Tuesday's rookie draft.

"He was obviously disappointed to be delisted and I think (senior coach) Ross (Lyon) gave him a few things he needs to work on and the opportunity has come back for him.

"I know the character that he has and the respect he has in the group that he will give it his all and now he's back on our rookie list he's got a fresh start and the ball's back in his court," Harvey said.

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