St Kilda’s forward line led from the front as the Saints ran out 2-point winners over the highly-fancied Demons in a Sunday afternoon thriller for the ages.

Tim Membrey and Jade Gresham were deadly in front of goal, each posting four majors, while Paddy McCartin (2.3), Josh Battle (1.2) and Jack Billings (1.0) also made significant contributions.

For a forward structure that’s come under fire from all angles in 2018, the Saints’ ability to spread in front of the ball, create space and capitalise on turnovers was evident from early on, despite a slow start.

WATCH: Last two minutes v Melbourne

Alan Richardson’s side had conceded three quick goals and a 19-point deficit midway through the opening term.

Then, after three consecutive missed shots at goal, the story looked to be an all-too-familiar one for Saints fans.

But the Saints flicked a switch, and with a renewed energy and hunger for the contest, piled on four goals in succession to head into the quarter-time break with a one-point lead.

High-pressure, high-risk, relentless football.

That was the mantra for the boys in red, white and black, as they willed the ball forward, playing on at all costs and opening the game up, and the risk reaped rewards.

St Kilda posted their highest score of the year to date, kicking 18.11 (119) as multiple forwards found their range.

Livewire Jade Gresham proved the MCG is officially his hunting ground, booting four majors to take his tally to 15 goals in the Saints’ last three outings there.

The 20-year-old also had nine score involvements, including a clever tap onto teammate Tim Membrey, who slotted a crucial goal to extend the Saints’ lead out to 22 points in the last.

With the Demons pressing hard, back-to-back majors to Josh Battle and Jack Steven, the latter after a telling one-on-one contest at the top of the square, ultimately proved the difference between the two sides.

The senior coach was positively glowing after the Saints’ second consecutive win, and attributed the four points to his side’s confidence in their own legs.

“That was our best performance for the year,” Richardson said.

“The guys have got a lot of faith in their run. They’ve done a lot of work, and it’s a pretty young group now, particularly through the midfield. Fundamentally they’re backing their legs in.”

READ: Richo lauds Gresham's talent

Richardson also heaped praise on the performance of several of his forwards, who combined to form a potent setup in the Saints’ forward 50m.

“I thought our young forwards did a really good job in contest,” he said.

“Gresham’s a pretty special player in contest, and I reckon that was Paddy’s best game for a while. I thought Josh Battle’s contest, probably typified by that tackle on Hibbard, was pleasing to see.”

With two goals of his own, McCartin’s endeavour was enough to earn a big tick from the senior coach.

“Paddy’s made of the right stuff,” Richardson said.

“We know up until now he’s had some challenges with a few knocks to the head, and obviously he’s had to battle a little bit with his diabetes, but he’s getting through that now.

READ: Saints win thriller

“He’s had some continuity of games, and we just need our big forwards to give us really good contest … we’re really pleased with the way Paddy’s going.”

St Kilda was looking to respond in the second half of the year, and an upset win over the heavy favourites on enemy territory is not a bad way to start.