ST KILDA'S players set themselves a new benchmark in Saturday's shock 58-point win over Fremantle, Saints coach Alan Richardson says.

The bottom-placed Saints stunned the Dockers and the football world at Etihad Stadium, proving how far determination and mindset can propel a side.

Just days after the club's heartbeat, Lenny Hayes, announced his retirement, the Saints willed themselves to an unforgettable triumph over Ross Lyon's flag contenders.

"It was an incredibly emotional week and I've got no doubt that our players played with a bit more spirit," Richardson said post-match.

"That's now going to be our new benchmark and we'll get more measured accordingly.

"Some blokes played out of their skin…but at least now they know they can reach that level and that's really exciting for our club.

"In context, given we've been beaten badly for a number of weeks in a row and then to have the emotion of Lenny Hayes, I don't know if it was one of the best (wins I've been associated with) but it was a fantastic result.

"I was just incredibly proud of the players who represented our club today."

Superstar Nick Riewoldt led the way with an incredible 30-possession, 16-mark and four-goal game, but the match will also be remembered for the arrival of Rhys Stanley.

The talented 23-year-old booted a career-best three goals and was equally impressive in his lead-up play, taking a career-high 14 marks.

"Rhys in many ways typifies our team. When he's going well we're going OK," Richardson said.

"Tonight I thought for four quarters he presented.

"That was probably Rhys' best game since I've been at the club."
St Kilda played with a ferocity scarcely seen this season, winning the contested ball count 141-122 and laying 71 tackles – only six less than Freo despite the Saints having 121 more disposals.

Sean Dempster set the tone in the opening minutes when he backed into an oncoming Matthew Pavlich lead and came off second best from a head clash.

Dempster – who was soon walking around after being taken from the ground on a stretcher - played no further part, but his courage inspired his teammates.

"We spoke about it at quarter-time," Richardson said. "He's a bloke that just continually commits his body without worrying about his own personal regard.

"That's why he's one of our leaders."

While the victory snapped St Kilda's 11-game losing streak and Freo's eight-game winning run, Richardson was under no illusions about his side's road ahead.

"At the risk of sounding like I'm pouring cold water on the game today, it was one game," he said.

"It was a terrific performance but we have no illusions about where we're at.

"It will be a game that we look back on and continue to remind ourselves that if we play four quarters of really strong, aggressive footy where we look to help each other, we're a chance to have good performance."