St Kilda star Leigh Montagna has praised his side’s ability to grind through a difficult second-half against Collingwood, after the Saints overcame losing Nick Riewoldt and Paddy McCartin to storm away in the third quarter.

With the Saints down to just two on the bench when they emerged from the main break, a six goal to one third term proved to be the difference, setting up a 29-point win at the MCG.

Playing across half-back, Montagna was at his prolific best against the Magpies, collecting 40 possessions, 14 marks and seven inside 50s, whilst using the ball at an efficiency rate of 82.5 per cent to be the architect from defence to attack.

After the Saints arrested a winless start to 2016, and claimed premiership points for the first time since last July, Montagna lauded St Kilda’s character in adverse circumstances.

Stunning Saints eclipse Magpies

“Obviously the boys are pretty pumped. We’ve been a little bit disappointed with our start to the season, but I thought our response and the character we showed, considering we only had two on the bench was terrific,” Montagna told saints.com.au after the five goal win on Saturday.

“We just had to scrap it out. It was a tight contest at half-time. I think the important thing from that game is the young guys really stood up.

“I thought Luke Dunstan third quarter was terrific, all our small forwards – their pressure was terrific and Sebby Ross. So it was great for those guys to lift when we really need them.”

Buoyed by the sizeable contribution from a wave of youth in Luke Dunstan, Seb Ross, Jack Billings, Jack Newnes and Maverick Weller, Montagna wants to see more of where that came from.

“I think we need more of it. We need these young guys to keep stepping up and showing that leadership. I thought they did that today,” Montagna said.

Looking at home on a back flank, the dual All Australian was part of an impressive defensive unit that shut out Collingwood’s collection of forward class, in particularly Jarryn Geary who put the clamps on Alex Fasolo, only a week after he booted six goals against Richmond.

“I’ve gone back there to try and help with the defenders get the ball out and I’m enjoying the challenge,” Montagna said.

“They did a great job. Geary on [Alex] Fasolo. I thought ‘Chips’ [Sam Fisher] did a great job on Trav Cloke. ‘Robbo’ [Dylan Roberton] on Jeremy Howe – he was hardly seen. And ‘Seanny’ Dempster on Darcy Moore,” Montagna said.

St Kilda will travel to the apple isle next Saturday afternoon to face reigning premiers Hawthorn at Aurora Stadium.

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