2017 hasn’t gone to plan for Shane Savage, but the dashing defender is back in St Kilda’s 22 and determined to hold onto his spot as the Saints march towards September.

After playing 41 of 44 games across the last two seasons, the former Hawk has played only five games so far this season. But he reminded the football world how damaging he can be coming out of the back half on Saturday night.

Savage, 26, collected 22 disposals and hit the target with all but two against Richmond, amassed 432 metres gained, eight marks and put the ball inside 50 on four occasions in his second appearance since Round 3 and first since Round 10.

“It’s been a pretty disappointing year for me. I think I can play a lot better footy than what I have been; it was good to come in and play my role tonight,” Savage told saints.com.au after St Kilda’s 67-point win over the Tigers.

“Hopefully I can come in and play my role for the rest of the year.

“I never lost my belief, I always knew I could have an impact, it was just about finding that form.”

In the aftermath of St Kilda’s best performance of 2017, and one of the best under Alan Richardson’s watch, Savage was impressed by the even spread of contribution at Etihad Stadium.

“I thought everyone put their hand up tonight and played some strong footy across the board; the backs were solid, the mids did their job and the forwards finished the work,” he said.

Savage, who came in for the suspended Jimmy Webster on the weekend, said it’s important St Kilda doesn’t look further ahead than one game at a time as they look to end a six-year hiatus from finals football.

“We’re not focusing on finals at the moment, but it’s good to build some momentum at the right time and hopefully we can keep it going,” he said.

“It’s important that focus on one week at a time and not get ahead of ourselves.”