How far can St Kilda go in 2024?
Fresh off defeating reigning premiers Collingwood by 15 points to notch their first win of the season, St Kilda fans are currently revelling in that victorious feeling.
For the majority of Thursday night's clash at the MCG, the Saints were dominant, making the Magpies look second-rate.
Scoring 12 goals from turnover and winning the clearance battle - despite losing the hit-outs 47-13 - Ross Lyon's men looked like a top-four side.
When challenged in the last quarter by the Pies' stereotypical surge that has led to many come-from-behind wins, the Saints wrestled back momentum through tough, uncompromising football, ultimately putting the game out of reach.
But what St Kilda will be most pleased with is who stood up in key moments on Thursday night.
Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera, 21, terrorised Collingwood with his elite ball use and smart decision-making off the halfback.
Gathering a game-high 32 possessions, 11 marks, 613m gained and five score involvements, it is safe to say Wanganeen-Milera had a day out.
Teammate Marcus Windhager, 20, was equally as influential, being a centre clearance beast and proving too difficult to deal with.
Sprinkle in the performances of Jack Higgins (four goals), Max King (three goals), Rowan Marshall (11 clearances) and Mitch Owens (22 possessions), and you've got a lethal mix, which is something Lyon is very excited about.
"We've got some exciting, young players," Lyon said post-game.
"Windhager went in (midfield), Owens, Phillipou... last week we had 10 players under 50 games.
"We've got a lot of kids coming through, we've recalibrated, Liam Henry was exciting, Ryan Byrnes has improved and we think our youth is on the right path.
"I think that's the exciting bit and our leaders are supporting them."
St Kilda will look to continue their momentum as they prepare for Essendon on Saturday, March 30.
