Senior coach Ross Lyon has lauded St Kilda's elite pressure in its seven-point win over Geelong, which saw the Saints record their highest pressure rating in four years.
Lyon's charges brought the heat in 15.8 (98) to 13.13 (91) at Marvel Stadium on Saturday night, with their pressure rating eclipsed only by their 2021 clash against Adelaide at a rain-soaked Cazaly's Stadium in the past 13 years.
The Saints were also able to restrict Geelong to just 134 possessions at half-time - the Cats' lowest first-half tally during Chris Scott's entire reign as senior coach.
Lyon said he was delighted with the response from his side after a heavy loss to Adelaide in Round 1.
"They were coming off good form, we were coming off – well, we weren't pleased, and we just wanted some improvement. But I thought our pressure all night – we sustained above two, which is elite," Lyon said.
"We went back to the ball and stayed close, which is where we think the game's at. I really loved watching the Bulldogs-Collingwood game, the contest and the tackling. I think it's a fundamental of where AFL footy is at, because you can move the ball when you get it – you never used to be able to because of the new rules – it puts a premium on winning the ball."
Both teams were pretty even when it came to experience – the Saints had seven players with fewer than 50 games, the Cats had eight – but being able to hold onto a win in the face of a charging opponent will hold St Kilda in good stead.
"You can't buy belief. Confidence comes from action. All it is, is a feeling and emotion. We'll be more confident in what we're asking them to do," Lyon said.
"I think more importantly, when we give great effort and we all buy in, where it can take you. It won't guarantee us, but it will certainly create more opportunities than not."
