With the Saints looking to fire, the spark came from an unlikely source - hard-nosed winger Jack Newnes.

The 25-year-old kicked a career-high four goals against Collingwood, three of them coming in the first half.

The shift forward came as Alan Richardson continues to look for ways to fire in attack, Newnes rising to the challenge and relishing in his new role inside 50.

“Richo has swung it around a bit, which was good,” Newnes told saints.com.au.

“I don’t mind playing down forward, so I was happy to get on the end of a couple.”

The wingman took a season-high eight marks, equalling Collingwood’s Jordan De Goey, with a game-high four of them inside 50m.

Around the ground: Round 9

Newnes formed part of a dynamic forward line that included Jack Lonie (two goals), Jade Gresham (two goals) and Jack Billings (one goal).

The Saints could soon be bolstered by the return of Paddy McCartin and Josh Bruce, while swingman Jake Carlisle faces tests as he pushes for selection this week.

While the four points escaped the Saints, the clash proved that when the Saints are on – they’re on.

“We took a step forward tonight,” Newnes said.

“Even though we didn’t get the result, I thought we played the right way.”

The Saints now turn their attention to a date with the reigning premiers at the MCG.

Newnes’ message for his teammates ahead of the Round 10 clash with Richmond?

“Just have a crack and bring our pressure,” he said.

“We just need to finish our work and hopefully we can do something special.”