JOSH BRUCE had kicked just nine goals in his career before Saturday night, but St Kilda coach Alan Richardson was not surprised one bit that the spring-heeled forward bagged six in a scintillating outing against Gold Coast.

Bruce, 22, set Metricon Stadium alight with a powerhouse display in the forward 50 that showed life beyond Nick Riewoldt may not be the doom and gloom many predict for the Saints.

WATCH: Alan Richardson's full post-match press conference

Paddy McCartin, who kicked four goals in the VFL on Saturday, might have to wait a few weeks for a debut senior game if Bruce continues to partner this well with Riewoldt and Tim Membrey up forward. 

He outpointed the Suns' best defenders, working over valued pair Steven May and Rory Thompson to finish with 14 disposals, eight marks – including six contested – and six goals.

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"He's a very impressive athlete, he's a real competitor," Richardson said of Bruce in the aftermath of the 28-point victory.

"His preparation is outstanding, so there's no surprises he had that kind of performance. 

"We need to keep it in perspective, it's only one night, but he had a real impact."

That's an understatement.

Bruce blew the game open with four of St Kilda's eight goals in the second quarter.

He stretched high to outmark Thompson for his first goal, took a crashing pack mark for his second, then took two contested marks on the goal-line that he finished with clever left-foot checkside kicks.

Bruce's performance was the highlight of a stirring victory by the Saints, where they outworked their more fancied rivals, particularly in the decisive second term.

"I thought for a big part of the game we were really strong in terms of putting pressure on," Richardson said.

"Our pressure was certainly at its highest in the second term and we were able to capitalise.

"I thought we challenged with our run on the outside, which is a big ask against this team."