An ugly game ended with a beautiful result for St Kilda, who ended their three-game AFL losing streak with a 17-point win over North Melbourne.
The Kangaroos kicked the last four goals of the match to avoid a blowout, but coach Brad Scott said the 12.17 (89) to 10.12 (72) scoreline flattered them.
Likewise, Saints coach Alan Richardson was far more focused on the first three quarters on Friday night at Etihad Stadium, when they dominated the match.
Only 26,107 fans attended the Friday night fizzer, but it was a vital night for the Saints.
As Richardson noted, throw in the bye and St Kilda had gone a month without winning.
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"I was really proud of them, the fact that they were able to play in that sort of manner," he said.
"We'll learn from the last quarter ... we got smashed at clearance.
"We definitely need to improve, no doubt about that, but it was step towards getting our footy back and that was pleasing."
Richardson was rapt with veterans Leigh Montagna and Nick Riewoldt, who played key roles.
Montagna responded to some pointed criticism this week from commentator Dermott Brereton, while Riewoldt ran hard after returning from a knee injury.
But Riewoldt will come under video scrutiny for a second-term incident where he punched the back of Scott Thompson, after the North defender elbowed him in the midriff.
Scott lamented their inability to execute and said they would change their training to focus more on skills.
"You make mistakes under pressure - OK, that's one thing," he said.
"But it's just simple, basic, fundamental skill errors.
"It makes it very difficult to play the way you want to play.
"In the end, there's no question the scoreboard flattered us ... we were never in a winnable position."
North forward Jarrad Waite suffered a head knock late in the match and had to be helped from the ground.
It was supposed to be a big night for the 'Roos, who honoured retired legend Brent Harvey with a pre-game lap of honour.
Instead, they have slipped to 4-8 after also losing to Richmond before their bye.
Midfielder Seb Ross starred for St KIlda with 32 disposals and Jarryn Geary played an outstanding captain's game across half-back.
North only managed four goals to three-quarter time.
One positive was a strong game from ruckman Todd Goldstein, who has not been in peak form.
