Loss a wake-up call, says Lyon

ST KILDA coach Ross Lyon has issued a stern warning to his players after Saturday night's NAB Cup grand final defeat at the hands of the Western Bulldogs.

The Saints are widely considered a genuine top four contender heading into the 2010 season, but the uneven performance that saw his side slip to a 40-point loss left Lyon unimpressed.

"We've got a bit of work to do really," Lyon said.

"It's a great reminder for our players, our coaches and our football club that it's a brutal competition and you can't play in finals until you win enough home and away games. It's the sharp message and we'll repeat that tomorrow at family day.

"From me down or me up, whatever way you want to look at it, it's the message - we've got to get to work."

The Bulldogs, inspired by a seven-goal effort from Barry Hall, leapt out to a 29-point lead early in the game before St Kilda worked back into the contest. The Saints' ferocity at the ball carrier and workrate around the packs increased noticeably over the next two terms, as the margin came back to just two points, before falling away badly in the last.  

"I saw how we like to play in the second and third quarter, [but] in the first quarter … we really turned it over and their pressure was good. We slaughtered the ball which was a result of their pressure," Lyon continued.

"In the last quarter I was disappointed that we petered out. It was disappointing that they dominated that last quarter. I would have liked to have seen a sustained effort throughout the course of the game.

"If you talk about 'what do we need to work on?' - our persistence and our perseverance."

Sam Fisher hobbled from the ground with a rolled ankle early in the game, but Lyon said the important defender should be right to play in round one.

Despite his disappointment at the result and parts of the performance, Lyon left the match confident it had served his team well as it prepares for the first round of the premiership season.

"I thought it was an intense game - certainly [better] than flying to a regional area," he said.

"It was a big, loud crowd and it was intense. Ten minutes into the last quarter it was still a game, wasn't it? We certainly got a high-quality hit-out. Everyone says they're a top four team and almost got a grand final berth booked. It's quality that you're up against.

"It's a sharp reminder to our players - if you drop off you're going to be back in the ruck pretty quickly."