The Saints were too good for the Demons on Saturday night, winning by 17 points at Etihad Stadium on Saturday night.
With both sides missing a number of key players and experienced players, St Kilda made Melbourne pay for its inaccuracy in front of goal.
Saunders, who collected 19 disposals against the Demons, said the Saints had heard the talk of them finishing last and wanted to show prove it premature.
"I guess there was a bit of an incentive there to play a bit harder and prove people wrong," the 19-year-old said on Sunday.
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"There was a little bit of talk about it last week about that people thought we'd maybe be the wooden spooners, but in our eyes we've had a pretty solid pre-season and there's no reason we couldn’t challenge Melbourne and beat them, and even other teams we come up against.
"It was a good challenge first round."
While captain Nick Riewoldt put in a best afield performance with three goals and 23 disposals, the Saints' band of youngsters through the midfield played an important part.
Saunders was one of several contributors, including first-gamer Luke Dunstan (21 disposals), Tom Curren (21) and Jack Newnes (19). Without Lenny Hayes, Leigh Montagna and Jack Steven, others stood up.
"Just to have that younger group starting to play some good footy together was really promising for the team looking forward to the future," Saunders said.
After 10 games in 2013 – all losses – Saunders was able to taste victory for the first time in his young career in Alan Richardson's first outing as senior coach.
"There was a massive focus from Richo on our contested ball and tackles and putting pressure on the opposition and I felt we did that really well last night and forced Melbourne into a lot of turnovers," Saunders said.
Twitter: @AFL_CalTwomey
"There was a little bit of talk about it last week about that people thought we'd maybe be the wooden spooners, but in our eyes we've had a pretty solid pre-season and there's no reason we couldn’t challenge Melbourne and beat them, and even other teams we come up against.
"It was a good challenge first round."
While captain Nick Riewoldt put in a best afield performance with three goals and 23 disposals, the Saints' band of youngsters through the midfield played an important part.
Saunders was one of several contributors, including first-gamer Luke Dunstan (21 disposals), Tom Curren (21) and Jack Newnes (19). Without Lenny Hayes, Leigh Montagna and Jack Steven, others stood up.
"Just to have that younger group starting to play some good footy together was really promising for the team looking forward to the future," Saunders said.
After 10 games in 2013 – all losses – Saunders was able to taste victory for the first time in his young career in Alan Richardson's first outing as senior coach.
"There was a massive focus from Richo on our contested ball and tackles and putting pressure on the opposition and I felt we did that really well last night and forced Melbourne into a lot of turnovers," Saunders said.
Twitter: @AFL_CalTwomey
