IT'S SET to be St Kilda's biggest challenge of the season so far, but the Saints aren't viewing next Saturday night's interstate clash with West Coast as mission impossible.
On the back of two come-from-behind wins against Melbourne and Greater Western Sydney, the Saints are high in confidence after being considered as potential wooden spoon winners before the season began.
They turned their attention to the Patersons Stadium clash directly after their seven-point win over the Giants on Saturday and won't be heading over there fearful of what lies ahead after a second tough performance.
"I think with what we bring to the table with our contested ball and tackles, we can be in any game we play," defender Sean Dempster told AFL.com.au.
"Going all the way over there, we need to bond as a group and really stick tight together – we're going there for a reason and we want to get a win on the board and go about it the right way.
"A few years ago, our record interstate was very good - it hasn't been great the last couple of years.
"It's something we definitely want to rectify and as long as we go about it the right way, win lose or draw – it's all about our intent on the football."
The Saints were bruised and battered after the win over the Giants, with many sporting ice and injuries in the rooms after the game.
Sam Gilbert was treated for a rolled ankle, Tom Hickey for a problem with the bottom of his foot and Lenny Hayes was icing both calves after his first game for the season.
Coach Alan Richardson said recovery was going to be paramount this week ahead of their long flight to Perth.
"We spoke about it after the game, about how important it was for the guys to get themselves right," Richardson said.
"We're going to be getting on a plane reasonably early in the week so we won't do a lot of training, our focus will be on rehab, but you can just see in the guys' eyes it's going to be another challenge.
"They're looking forward to it, we acknowledge that West Coast, albeit incredibly early in the season, look like they're up and about and playing some good footy.
"It's a great opportunity for our guys."
Dempster has been among the Saints' best in their first two games and has martialled a backline that is again without Sam Fisher and with Gilbert playing off a limited pre-season.
He said he was proud of the way the defenders had stood up, particularly against the Giants, who beat them by 68 points in the pre-season with Jeremy Cameron kicking five goals and Jonathon Patton two.
This time, big man Jonathan Giles got away to boot four goals and Devon Smith five, but Cameron and Patton were well held.
"The backline has been super," Dempster said.
"For Luke Delaney to really step up and take that big power forward, and the same with James Gwilt, who is an undersized big man playing on really big fellas, they've just been super.
"I have to [be a leader]. I'm starting to get a bit older now and I am one of oldest down there now so I have to take that on board and try and help out where I can and try and lead from example."
