IN A GAME that was always going to be nip-and-tuck, St Kilda captain Nick Riewoldt again showed the value of a genuine superstar against the Brisbane Lions on Sunday.

MATCH REPORT: Saints get the points in Brisbane

In his first game back after missing a week through concussion, the Saints skipper was the difference in the 22-point victory, taking 10 marks and kicking four goals.

Not surprisingly, St Kilda coach Alan Richardson was a relieved man to have the 32-year-old back leading his team.

Riewoldt has played just four full games this season, and helped his team to each of their three wins against Gold Coast, Western Bulldogs and now the Lions.

"I'm stating the obvious - he's pretty important to us," Richardson said.

"Nick's biggest difference is his leadership, his ability to organise, at times inspire, at the right times challenge, the leadership he sets with his example.

"From a technical point of view, the most significant attribute he offers our team is connect from the back to the front.

"I don't think we were going to score in the first quarter if not for him. He kicked our two goals. He's very important in front of the ball, but he's probably more important in terms of connecting the back to the front."

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Riewoldt's running was relentless against a young Lions team.

One instance in the third quarter he was at half-back for a Lions turnover and busted himself on a 70m sprint to take an uncontested mark 40m from goal, which he converted.

It was indicative of so much of what makes him great.

"He came into the season with a fairly average preparation and it's testament to the work he does when he can get on the track; he's probably our hardest worker out there and that's what we want from our leaders," Richardson said.

Another player who wrested the ascendency from the Lions was ever-improving midfielder David Armitage, who finished with 31 disposals, 11 clearances and two goals.

Richardson said he was a major reason why St Kilda reversed a 29-point deficit during that first term.

"Even though Brisbane continued to have moments throughout the game today, we were able to respond and keep going. It was pleasing," Richardson said.