Raiders inflicted the Saints’ fourth three-figure loss of the season with a 110-point demolition on Saturday.

Red-hot favourites Albury posted 121 and 104-point wins in round five and 14 respectively, while premiers Wangaratta grabbed a 141-point caning in round eight.

“I’m just not sure they’ve got some areas covered,” the experienced Burgess said.

“The ruck’s going to be a bit of a worry and they don’t have the big forward.

“They’ve obviously got the outside speed and run, but whether their bodies can go the distance in the last three games of the year is the question mark.”

Raiders are also paying the price for their poor record in the past three finals series.

The club was on the verge of grabbing a top three finish last year, but a mistake-riddled display against Lavington in the final round cost them the double chance.

Eight days later, they were out.

However, it’s hard to think of a club which has had so many players improve this year.

Lachie Flagg, Jordan Rouse, Jackson Kelly and Raven Jolliffe are among a host who are clearly playing better football.

Kelly’s form has been outstanding, being named in the best in four of the past six games after spending time in reserve grade.

“He offers so much with his leg speed and outside play,” coach Daryn Cresswell said.

“He’s like his dad (former Sydney Swans’ captain Paul), he plays both sides of his body and he’s building in confidence.

“He takes the pressure off ‘Johnny’ (Brad St John) and (Shane) Munro, our runners, Brodie (Filo) and Matty Neagle when he plays, it offers a different balance to our side.”

Kelly also racked up a number of behinds, so if he can improve his accuracy, it adds another facet to his play.

Raiders picked up three profile players over summer and while the experiment with former QAFL forward Sam Stubbs didn’t work, the inclusion of former Goulburn Valley rep Daniel Bowles and ex-Wodonga midfielder Jarrod Hodgkin has been a success.

“I’ve had a lot of help with picking up ‘Bowlesy’ and ‘Hodgi’ and I think a lot of the younger ones are really coming on,” Filo said.

Raiders have lost only three games, but the question mark will remain until they can win a big finals game.