ST KILDA'S courage and physical sacrifice was a key factor in handing West Coast its first loss in seven weeks, according to Saints coach Ross Lyon.

The Saints were matched against a physically imposing forward line featuring big men Quinten Lynch, Josh Kennedy, Jack Darling and occasionally Dean Cox and Nic Naitanui.

While conceding height and weight to their opponents, Lyon said his team's physical application proved to be invaluable.

"Sometimes we underestimate, even from the coaches box, how physical and courageous players have to be in the modern game," Lyon said after the win.

"They've got some big men and there were some big hits but I don't think we flinched at all. We stood up and it was a significant part of the game."

One casualty of the physical nature of the game was James Gwilt, who looked to severely injure his knee when he was shepherded in the third quarter.

The extent of the damage to Gwilt's knee will be revealed after he undergoes scans.

He was one of many St Kilda defenders to have an impact on the game, the most impressive being Raphael Clarke, who has spent much of the season alternating between the Saints and VFL team Sandringham.

Lyon said he was happy with Clarke's performance but emphasised the effort of the group.

"I think he started really well and was really good. To a man, I think we all really stood up and … it was a real team effort. If you break it down, a lot of backmen stood up, I think a lot of players came in and out of the game," Lyon said.

"But everyone played their part and I think Raph was a part of that. I'm probably loathe to individualise any more than that."

The Saints led by as much as 43 points early in the second quarter but a scoreless third term and a resurgent West Coast saw them concede the lead at the final change.

Lyon said West Coast rose to another level after the half-time break.

"They ramped up their pressure and we got locked because of the clearance work and Naitanui lifted. I think it was 23 tackles to seven. The pressure was enormous and they stilted our ball movement and we were pinned," he said.

"It's pretty hard to dominate good teams for four quarters. They are a benchmark team of the competition at the minute and we certainly got out of the blocks. That was a real focus because they are a great starting team. The second quarter we had lots of entries. We still had 15 and they tightened up and made it hard to score."

The Saints' pre-game routine had them watching footage of the club's only premiership coach Allan Jeans, who died earlier in the week.

Lyon said it was important to acknowledge significant figures in the club's history and that many of Jeans' messages resonated today.

"We certainly spoke about it. We had some footage of Allan. Not to be motivational but we've got some young players, so it was a reminder of his contribution to the club," he said.

"There are some great coaching messages. There are some great reminders for the players about the crossroads. Certainly we were at a crossroad at three-quarter-time and we responded. It wasn't a motivation it was just to set the tone and awareness. We certainly did that."