MIDFIELDER David Armitage believes the Saints are starting to find form simply by "heading back to basics".

"We started against the Demons and that held us in good stead," Armitage said. "Coming over today we just wanted to do the same things.

"Everyone had their role to play for four quarters and I think we all did that. We started and finished well, and maintained it throughout most of the match so that was good."

Armitage mirrored coach Ross Lyon's sentiments after the match, who said the players had to continue their hard efforts over the next few weeks if they are to match this year's top sides.

"We're improving but we're not quite there yet. We still have a lot of things to work on.

"Today was definitely better and we're building, but we've only won two in a row so we have to keep it up for the rest of the season."

Armitage finished with 17 disposals and a goal and was among a host of St Kilda players who shared the workload that earned a comfortable 46-point victory against Fremantle.

"I went forward today and tried to play a bit more in the pressure role and off the back of stoppages," he said.

"I had four shots on goal - one goal and three behinds I think - so I have to practice finishing off my goals."

The Saint said his team had been unlucky at the start of the year to lose some tight games, including a draw in round two against Richmond.

"We have to focus on what we need to do to win, things like winning contested ball and our tackling.

"That's what we've concentrated on so we can try and win these matches."

Armitage was overlooked for the finals last year aftermissing six weeks in the middle of the year with a knee injury and is keen to take on 2010 premiers Collingwood at the MCG next week.

"It's going to be a big one. We'll review what we did well and what didn't work so well against Freo today," he said.

"We'll definitely recover and prepare in time for Collingwood, and treat it just like any other team."