This wasn't supposed to be how it played out for St Kilda.

Coming off a disastrous 2018, the Saints made numerous changes, but then suffered huge blows.

There was Jake Carlisle's back surgery. Dylan Roberton's heart problem. Jack Steven's mental health issue. Dan Hannebery's fitness struggle. Yet another concussion for Paddy McCartin.

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Most assumed those setbacks would see the Saints stumble through the season, but they have scrapped their way to a 2-0 start after defeating Essendon by 11 points at Marvel Stadium.

They're showing impressive resilience, and coach Alan Richardson said his side was growing in confidence.

We're certainly building belief in the system, in the way that we want to play, in the way that we want to defend."

"The third quarter went pretty badly in terms of contest, and working to the contest. It was really good to talk about that post-game … the way the guys finished off the game."

There were plenty of missed chances in front of goal, in the first and last terms especially. That has seen the Saints drop their heads in the past, but not on Saturday.

They looked at that after their second pre-season game against the Western Bulldogs, when they were on top but didn't score as much as they should have.

Richardson revealed how he used that as a teaching point.

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"(If) we feel frustrated that we can't score, or we're scoring behinds – well, imagine how frustrating it is for the opposition, because it's down our end. We're the ones having shots at goal," Richardson said.

Young gun Jade Gresham was excellent, collecting 25 disposals, 12 contested possessions, two goals and assisting on couple of others.

He was best afield, and that sentiment was echoed by the coach.

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"That was probably as complete a game as I've seen 'Gresh' play," Richardson said.

"He's had days where he's hit the scoreboard quite significantly. He still scored today but he was really good for us through the midfield.

That was one of those games you hope becomes his new level, his new bar. He's so important for us."

Fremantle awaits next Sunday at Optus Stadium, but Richardson has faith in what his team can produce.

"We think that if we can get our system right, like today, we don't have any passengers, that everyone's doing their bit and playing their role, we're going to be a hard team to beat," Richardson said.