St Kilda captain Jack Steele has praised his side’s tireless performance of his side to score a win over Fremantle.

He said the injury-hit side’s effort and determination led to the win over a side seen as a premiership contender.

“It’s pretty hot in here and I’m pretty knackered after this one - we all will be,” Steele told Fox Footy.

“What we were able to do in slowing their ball movement down - we understand they want to control the ball and try to pick up apart.

“Our defensive system was able to hold up and we got our opportunities up forward as well.

“Ross is all about effort, cracking in and giving it everything. That is what he asked of us today, to focus on the process and not the result.”

Steele said first-game forward Mattaes Phillipou and Anthony Caminiti had performed beyond their years in their debuts.

“Anthony Caminiti wasn’t on our list six or eight weeks ago and it just shows that anything is possible if you want to come in and do what Ross says which is bring 100 per cent effort,” Steel said.

“When you do that, you will be looked after it’s so special they can do that in their first game.”