Ross Lyon says St Kilda's 85-point hammering from Brisbane on Sunday night was a harsh reality check from the best team in the competition.

After winning five of their previous eight games, the Saints were spanked by the Lions, taught a lesson at the contest and beaten in most facets of the game.

Brisbane won clearances 48-27 and the contested possession count 139-96 in a powerful performance. St Kilda's coach did not mince words in his post-match assessment.

"They just sat us on our arse. They were too good for us," Lyon said.

"We see them as the best team in the comp at the minute.

"We got feedback to what that level actually feels like against you. The cleanness, the problem solving, the toughness. It gives us a harsh reality check."

Lyon tried a number of different midfield options, starting with Mitch Owens and Jack Sinclair in the middle of the ground, but whoever he tried, fell short.

Lachie Neale had 13 clearances, Hugh McCluggage nine and Josh Dunkley seven, with that trio also among the four highest contested possession winners on the ground as well.

Lyon said Brisbane played with St Kilda in the midfield, they were that dominant.

He said Brisbane's "singular focus" was outstanding, pointing to Brandon Starcevich's shutdown job of Jack Higgins (four disposals) as a primary example of a Lion who knew his job and executed it to perfection.

"We expected better, we wanted better, but we didn't deliver better," Lyon said.

"I get frustrated. Our biggest opponent is ourselves because we've undone all our good work, to be fair, I'd think.

"Minus 42 contested ball is hard to comprehend, hard to comprehend."

St Kilda faces Richmond, Geelong and Carlton to close out its home-and-away campaign, all of which will take place at Marvel Stadium.