ST KILDA coach Ross Lyon has attributed the Saints stunning turnaround in form to an infectious confidence that is beginning to return within the playing group.
The Saints continued their mid-season revival with a 56-point demolition of Port Adelaide at AAMI Stadium on Sunday afternoon to sit just a game outside of the top eight.
"We are delivering on some actions and a game plan that is allowing us to get a result that we are all after," coach Ross Lyon said following the victory.
"Naturally, confidence comes out of actions.
"It just reaffirms what we are doing is the right thing. The players get some confidence, and with that you get some momentum and some belief."
Nick Riewoldt continued his individual return to form, bagging a season-best four goals, while Ryan Gamble produced his best performance for St Kilda with four of his own.
St Kilda also held the midfield ascendancy, with Nick Dal Santo (36 disposals, two goals) and Brendon Goddard (27 disposals, one goal) doing as they pleased for most of the afternoon.
The Saints have now won five of their last seven matches, and look to be on the march towards finals contention.
"We're certainly improving, there's no doubt about that ... It beats losing," Lyon said.
From the outset, St Kilda seemed destined for victory over the Power. The visitors kicked two successive goals within the first minute and a half of the opening term after an undisciplined act from Jackson Trengove off the ball, followed by some lax defending from the Port defence moments later.
The Saints then dominated play through the second and third terms, booting eight goals to three to seal the result by three quarter-time.
Lyon was delighted with the intensity and application of his players in what was often a spiteful contest with several behind-the-play incidents.
"That was a critical element," Lyon said.
"When you come interstate with a small crowd and there's not much atmosphere you've got to really generate your own enthusiasm.
"We kept our focus on the ball and won the ball really well. We moved it really well, scored, and we go away with the four points."
The Saints now face West Coast on Saturday night at Etihad Stadium in a game that will test the finals credibility of the resurgent St Kilda.
"We face a massive challenge against West Coast," admitted Lyon.
"To beat someone above us on the ladder would be fantastic. They've got momentum ... it sets up a magnificent challenge."
Max covers news from AAMI Stadium for afl.com.au. Follow him on Twitter: @AFL_MaxPhillips
