St Kilda's competitive first three quarters counted for little by game's end, with Collingwood's final-term goal deluge sending it to a commanding 17.10 (112) to 10.11 (71) triumph at a sun-drenched MCG.

Richardson's Saints demonstrated toughness in the contest and genuine attacking flair – aided by the inclusion of exuberant first-gamer Robbie Young – that hints at a brighter future.

The Saints' sole major in the final half an hour came with barely 90 seconds left and with the contest over.

Only five points separated the teams at three-quarter time after sharing 10 goals in a scintillating third term that had set the stage for a grandstand finish.

Adam Treloar and Brodie Grundy were fantastic in the middle for Collingwood while Brody Mihocek kicked four goals and Ben Reid kicked three.

For the Saints Luke Dunstan was superb in the middle while Tim Membrey finished with four goals.

Robbie Young impressed on debut, setting Josh Bruce up for his first before kicking two of his own.

COLLINGWOOD          3.1       6.2       11.4     17.10 (112)
ST KILDA                     1.3       4.9       9.11     10.11 (71)

GOALS
Collingwood: Mihocek 4, Reid 3,Stephenson 3, Sidebottom 2, Thomas 2, Varcoe 2, Hoskin-Elliott
St Kilda: Membrey 4, Young 2, Bruce, Marshall, Savage, Battle

BEST
Collingwood: Grundy, Sidebottom, Treloar, Crisp, Mihocek, Reid
St Kilda: Dunstan, Billings, Savage, Membrey, Steele

INJURIES
Collingwood: De Goey (shin soreness) replaced in selected side by Wills, Moore (ankle) replaced in selected side by Aish, Langdon (knee)
St Kilda: Nil

Reports: Travis Varcoe reported for rough contact on Ed Phillips
Umpires: Meredith, Findlay, Gianfagna
Official crowd: 60,702 at the MCG