St Kilda coach Alan Richardson is hopeful Saturday's stunning comeback win over the Western Bulldogs will prove to be a pivotal moment for his young team.
The Saints trailed the Dogs by 55 points early in the third quarter at Etihad Stadium before launching a withering assault that propelled them to the equal-fifth biggest comeback win in the competition's history.
St Kilda managed just two goals in the first half, but stormed home with 12 majors after halftime to clinch the 14.10 (94) to 13.9 (87) win.
"We are just so pleased that so many of our players responded in such a positive way irrespective of their age," Richardson said.
"It's incredibly pleasing given the journey we're on that some of the young blokes were terrific after halftime.
"It's a win that shows how average we can be when we don't play the way we want to play - if we don't play with the real physicality and aggression around the contest.
"And it just shows how good this team can be if we play (our way) and are strong in those areas." David Armitage was outstanding with 45 possessions for the Saints, while Jack Billings played a crucial role in a pulsating final term with the star youngster gathering 10 possessions and kicking three goals.
"We all know that (Jack's) going to be a really talented player and is going to be able to finish strongly, but for him to be able to win the footy the way he did was just as pleasing for me," Richardson said.
"He'll continue to grow and be a player that can take those moments and be the person that wins the ball."
The Dogs started the match in the same barnstorming manner that had them sitting in third spot on the ladder going into the clash.
Liam Picken (28 possessions and two goals) and Jason Johannisen (24 disposals) were key contributors as Luke Beveridge's side put on a seven-goals-to-nil second term to extend their quarter-time lead from seven points to 49 at the main break.
Beveridge refused to blame last week's gruelling win in wet conditions against Sydney for his side's flat performance in the second half.
"It's the agony and the ecstasy really," Beveridge said of his team's contrasting halves.
"There's been lots of positives already this year and we need to dwell on them as much as possible.
"We'll take the second half for what it is, and it's a disappointment, but as a learning opportunity as well.
"It doesn't matter who you are in the competition, you can't be slightly off."
The day was further soured for the Bulldogs by what appears to be a serious knee injury to Clay Smith, who has ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee twice already.
The 21-year-old's right leg buckled under him without contact from an opponent nearing halftime, with Beveridge confirming early indications were that he would need a third knee reconstruction.
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