The match was in the balance for much of the evening, but ultimately it was Nick Riewoldt's dominance up forward, and Clint Jones' prolific ball-winning ability in midfield that proved the difference.
Jones followed up his 35 disposals against Fremantle in round 23 last year, with a further 39 against the Demons, and played a valuable leadership role with a host of young midfielders by his side.
Luke Dunstan enjoyed a stellar debut, bashing and crashing his way to 21 disposals, five clearances and seven tackles. Fellow newcomer Eli Templeton booted his first AFL goal and was a post-width away from another, while Jack Billings was introduced in the final term and looked lively up forward.
There were a number of pleasing signs for Alan Richardson, not least Rhys Stanley who booted two goals and was competitive all night in the ruck. Josh Saunders, Tom Curren, Nathan Wright and Jack Newnes each held their own and look to have developed their games considerably over the summer months.
Melbourne's innacuracy cost them dearly in the first half, and even though St Kilda never truly broke away from Paul Roos' men, the Demons never genuinely threatened to take the lead after the third term.
Almost all the key indicators were on level pegging for much of the night, aside from the clearance-count which St Kilda won easily despite missing Lenny Hayes, Leigh Montagna and Jack Steven.
Fittingly, the ball finished in Jack Billings hands, undoubtedly a sign of things to come.
BEST:
Jones, Dunstan, Curren, Riewoldt, Hickey, Ray, Dempster
GOALS:
Riewoldt 3, Stanley 2, Saunders, Gwilt, Armitage, Templeton, Geary
FINAL SCORE:
STK: 10.8 (68)
MEL: 6.15 (51)
