St Kilda coach Ross Lyon says throwing Nick Riewoldt into the ruck might be the best way to get his skipper back into top form.

Grand finalists for the past two years, the Saints have won only one game in their first six AFL matches this season.

Riewoldt was goal-less in Monday night's three-point loss to Carlton and drew heavy criticism from Bombers great Matthew Lloyd, who accused the key forward of not being strong enough in one-on-one contests and failing in big games.

Riewoldt has scored 8.10 in six matches in 2011.

Lyon said he did discuss the move with his coaching staff during Monday's clash with the Blues at Etihad Stadium.

"I had him on the wing at some point and then I did move him back," Lyon told Fox Sports.

"If our midfield can't get on top and play like they did in that last 40 minutes, you need to move him in and free him and take everyone folding back on him and give him the freedom to express.

"It's a good idea and at some point we will do that."

Lyon was defensive about five-time club champion Riewoldt's apparent lack of confidence with his goal-kicking after registering 0.1 against Carlton.

"That's not an intentional miss. Nick's really trying," he said.

"It's about showing faith. I know he'll continue to work on it.

"Over the journey, he has been a very solid kick for goal.

"I'm quite confident with Nick having the ball in his hands and I have absolute belief in Nick as a leader, as a player and in his ability to kick a goal.

"But he's not perfect."

Lyon also backed utility Brendon Goddard, who is well below the form that saw him finish equal third in the club's best-and-fairest award in 2010.

Goddard needs to tone down his intensity and relax more with his football, Lyon said.

"He's pretty special. He really got elevated quickly on the back of some finals performances," Lyon said of the 25-year-old, who has been an All-Australian in the past two years.

"But you've got to keep stacking the numbers, keep stacking the performances.

"He hasn't won a club best and fairest.

"He's still emerging to play his best football. He's so driven.

"At the moment maybe there's too much intensity with that.

"He's just got to relax and let it happen and get back to basics."

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