ST KILDA goes into the half-time break with a 10-point lead over the Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium.

The Saints have kicked 8.4 (52) to 6.6 (42) at the main change.

The Saints started well with the first two goals of the game to Nick Riewoldt and Nick Dal Santo.

But the Bulldogs piled on four unanswered goals to set themselves up with the lead at the first break.

St Kilda was readjusting its midfield after the last minute withdrawal of David Armitage who had to pull out with a calf injury. His replacement Clint Jones made life tough for Ryan Griffen, shadowing him for much of the first half.

Lenny Hayes has been prolific in his first game back from his own calf injury, gathering seven touches in the first quarter and five in the second.

Dylan Roberton is continuing his good form across half-back, gathering 13 touches and setting up the defensive rebounds. Sean Dempster was also a commanding presence in the back half.

Dempster’s courage was no more evident than when he stood under a high ball at half-back in the second quarter only to be hit with full force by a leading Koby Stevens. Stevens was the Dogs’ best player in the first half with 16 touches.

The Saints were much stronger in the second quarter, with Arryn Siposs in particular stepping up to boot two goals.

The skill errors on both sides of the ledger were plentiful in a game that still promises to have a tight finish.