“That’s definitely not an excuse from us. In no way did our preparation have any impact on tonight’s performance.

“We got beaten by a team that was harder than us, that at times looked like they wanted it more.

“It’s not throwing the baby out with the bathwater sort of stuff, but clearly we need to get some more work done.”

The scrappy contest failed to reach any great heights, with only four goals kicked in perfect conditions – none of which were scored in the second half.

West Coast failed to convert numerous scoring chances in the third period, leaving the door ajar for the Saints. However, West Coast were matched for their wastefulness in the final term when the Saints managed just three behinds.

“It wasn’t pleasant up in the coaches’ box [in the final quarter], but ... I was pretty comfortable we would come away with it,” Prior said.

Eagles skipper Emma Swanson and her deputy Dana Hooker were outstanding, combining for 38 disposals (25 contested), 10 tackles and 10 clearances, while St Kilda co-captain Hannah Priest was fantastic in defence and finished with 22 disposals (nine contested).

At 0-4, St Kilda’s finals hopes are all but dashed as they will need to win their final six games to be any hope of qualifying for the top six, and with premiership contenders Adelaide and the Brisbane Lions in the run home, that’s a fanciful proposition.

It’s a task that will be made even harder without one of their best players Georgia Patrikios who continues to refuse the COVID vaccine.

“That’s not my rules – that’s the government’s rules and that’s the AFL’s rules,” Dal Santo said.

West Coast are now 1-4 after ending their six-game losing streak, but their road to the finals is also treacherous with the Lions, North Melbourne and Collingwood still to come.

LAKAY SAVES THE DAY
With 90 seconds left and the Saints trailing by two points, St Kilda defender Bianca Jakobsson bombed it deep into attack, but West Coast ruckman Sarah Lakay was there to take the mark and save the day for the Eagles.

HOOKER’S COMPASS OUT OF WHACK
Early in the second quarter, Hooker won the centre clearance and booted the ball 40 metres. The only problem was that she kicked it the wrong way, generously giving the Saints some territory.

EAGLES BLOW EARLY DOMINANCE
Aided by a strong breeze, West Coast did all the attacking early, putting St Kilda’s back line under enormous pressure with 15 of the first 16 inside-50s. But the visitors could only manage three behinds from their dominance, and the Saints made them pay with their first forward entry when Jessica Matin kicked the opening goal of the game.

ST KILDA 1.0 2.4 2.5 2.8 (20)
WEST COAST 0.4 2.5 2.9 2.10 (22)

GOALS
St Kilda: Matin, Greiser.
West Coast: Schmidt, Gibson.

BEST
St Kilda: Priest, Phillips, Lucas-Rodd, Matin.
West Coast: Hooker, Swanson, Lewis, Laurie.

UMPIRES
Rowe, Lopes, Porter

VENUE
Trevor Barker Beach Oval