For the entire four quarters the Saints were out-run and out-classed by a clinical and at times enthralling Hawks outfit. Alistair Clarkson's men proved too good in every facet of the game, culminating in a thumping 145-point victory in slippery conditions.
The efforts of Jack Steven and Leigh Montagna were two minor positives for St Kilda, with both players demonstrating a never-say-die attitude and collecting plenty of the ball.
Steven finished with 29 touches, while Montagna's 39-disposal game was his third consecutive game in which he's finished with more than 30 possessions and complemented his seven tackles and 12 clearances.
Jarryn Geary's arm complaint, which forced him to don the red vest in the second term, added insult to injury, while Nick Riewoldt found it difficult to assert his authority on a contest which was all but over early in the second quarter.
The Saints booted just two goals in the second half, and how they respond from here in nine days against Carlton will surely prove to be a pivotal moment in their 2014 campaign.
STK: 4.6 (30)
HAW: 27.13 (175)
BEST
Montagna, Steven, Ray, Hayes, Billings
GOALS
Montagna, Billings, Stanley, Steven
CROWD
32,924
