St Kilda rebounding defender Shane Savage says the Saints were disappointing from start to finish against Greater Western Sydney on Sunday, unable to build on a pair of impressive performances in the last fortnight.

The Giants kicked the opening four goals of the game before St Kilda registered their first goal in time on in the opening quarter. Despite the visitors controlling proceedings for most of the affair, Alan Richardson’s side got within 10-points late in the third term, but that was as close as they would come to victory.

Between Nick Riewoldt’s third and fourth goals from the 25^th minute mark of the third quarter and the 15^th minute mark of the final stanza, Greater Western Sydney booted seven unanswered goals to put the game to bed and put the Giants on a path to their 47-point win.

The Wash Up: Round 5 v GWS Giants

“It was disappointing. We came in with a lot of belief. From the very first bounce I thought we were disappointing. They scored too easily from stoppages and the defenders probably leaked a few too many goals today, so it was a disappointing performance,” Savage told saints.com.au after the eight goal loss.

“Too many guys weren’t up for the fight in the last quarter. We had a lot of belief going into that last quarter; we were only 16-points down. They got the first couple and too many players, including myself, just weren’t able to stop their run. It was a really disappointing end to the game.”

Just like his coach in his post-match press conference, Savage was critical of the Saints’ ball use, suggesting midfield turnover made defending difficult. The Giants scored 11.7 from turnovers, the second most for Round 5. Although Savage was not one of the offenders, with the former Hawk going at an efficiency rate of 96 per cent from 26 disposals.

“I thought we shot ourselves in the foot too many times today. There were times when we were out and we just didn’t hit the target. We just can’t defend that turnover,” Savage said.

Richardson: Intensity and urgency found wanting

After producing the most consistent season of his career last year, Savage has continued his ascension in the early stages of 2016. After five rounds, the polished ball user is averaging 26 possessions and 463.7 metres gained (ranked 19^th in the AFL).

Although it’s not just the offensive side of Savage’s game that has blossomed again thus far, with the 25-year-old improving his one-on-one ability to become a more balanced player.

“I think just getting that balance right in defence. I’m a defender now so just defending my man first and then going from there,” Savage said.

“It was a focus over the pre-season, just to defend my man first and the offensive ball will go from there. That’s really helped me jell with the defenders a lot more and obviously the balls still coming my way.”