Buoyed by a stirring win over Greater Western Sydney, St Kilda expects to be further boosted by the return of Max King and Zak Jones ahead of Saturday's clash against Melbourne at Marvel Stadium.

The Saints pulled off the gutsy victory at a wet and windy GIANTS Stadium despite being without nine first-choice players, including King, Jones, Rowan Marshall, Paddy Ryder, Dan Hannebery, Brad Crouch and co-captain Jarryn Geary.

King (concussion) and Jones (hamstring) will be the first to return, with Ratten expecting both to play against the Demons.

Ratten said other players will "trickle in" over the coming weeks, leaving the Saints with a strong squad to choose from and healthy competition for places.

"Our list is developing, and to think that we can call on many bodies to contribute and play their part, that's a credit to the players and to the footy club," Ratten said.

Ratten said the Round 1 victory was built on an even contribution across the team, where most Saints players stood out for particular moments rather than overall performances.

"Some players just had their moments in the game, like [Jack] Lonie kicks that goal that gives us a bit of hope, from the boundary line," he said.

"[Dan] Butler was serviceable, then has a moment when he kicks the winner.

"It looked like he chased him [Callan Ward] down, and whether it was a tackle or a bump, it's hard to say. Our focus had been to put them under pressure, and he did that and got his reward."