A TOP-four scalp has kept St Kilda's season alive and has the playing group brimming with confidence, as they look to knock off another finals contender in North Melbourne next Saturday night.

In a thrilling, finals-like game, the Saints upended a depleted Western Bulldogs side by 15 points at Etihad Stadium on Saturday night, keeping their slim finals hopes alive.

While coach Alan Richardson admitted finishing in the top eight was still a "long shot", he was impressed with how well his young side handled the pressure of the do-or-die clash against the Bulldogs.

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"With that expectation, with that noise and that pressure I was just really pleased that we were able to play really strong, bold footy and the players didn't let the occasion affect them negatively in any way," Richardson said after the win.

"In fact I think it did the opposite, I think that it was a real positive for our group, they embraced the challenge and [showed] they want to be in this space and be in the conversation.

“We want to be much more advanced and not relying on others to lose and we acknowledge that we still need a fair bit of luck, but all we can do now is control what we can control and that's play strong footy."

The Saints played fast and ferocious football, led by skipper Nick Riewoldt (four goals) and midfielder Jack Steven (39 disposals).

Richardson said it was a performance that strengthened the belief among the group that they are able to match it with the best teams in the competition. 

And they'll need that confidence and belief when they face the Kangaroos.

Richardson's side is just two wins behind North Melbourne which is hanging on to eighth-place.

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

Not only is it a crucial game for both sides in the context of their season, but it is also a huge game for Kangaroos veteran Brent Harvey, who will break Michael Tuck's all-time games record on the night.

Immediately after the win over the Bulldogs, Richardson briefly addressed the group on the challenge that faces them next week, and he hopes once again his players will rise to the occasion.

"It's going to be a ripper," Richardson said.

"[North Melbourne] were pretty impressive last night. They obviously lost a few games and bounced back so they'll be feeling better about themselves and we've got no doubt that we'll be up against a really strong, aggressive team that's won a lot of games of footy this year.

"We need to be strong again and we look forward to it. It's a conversation, albeit short, that we've already had with the group after the game and we want to give ourselves an opportunity to stay in the fight for as long as we can."

Five talking points: Western Bulldogs v St Kilda

St Kilda midfielder Leigh Montagna is expected to be fit for the clash, despite copping a nasty cork to his quad.

Defender Sam Fisher is also in the mix to return from a hamstring injury, although Richardson didn't forecast many changes following the win.

The Saints have a much kinder run home than the Kangaroos, with games against Carlton, Sydney Swans, Richmond and Brisbane Lions to come.

North Melbourne must face the Western Bulldogs, Hawthorn, Sydney Swans and GWS.