St Kilda have survived a scare from Brisbane to claim their first win of the AFL season, downing the Lions by 31 points at Etihad Stadium.
After trailing by six goals midway through the second quarter on Sunday, the plucky Lions took control of the game and looked poised to snatch a massive upset.
But the experience of Nick Riewoldt and Leigh Montagna came to the fore in the final term and the veteran duo guided the Saints to a 14.23 (107) to 11.10 (76) victory.
It will be a massive relief for Saints coach Alan Richardson after his side gave up handy leads in losses to Melbourne and West Coast.
But there will still be question marks about their finals credentials after another hot and cold performance.
The Saints dominated a dour first quarter, holding the Lions to a solitary goal and taking advantage of their poor ball use.
Inaccuracy in front of goal again proved to be an issue for St Kilda, who wasted chances to build their lead.
The Saints led comfortably midway through the second term but the Lions went on a huge run, booting six straight majors either side of halftime to snatch the lead.
Midfield leaders Dayne Beams, Daniel Rich and Tom Rockliff were immense for the Lions, while Stefan Martin took control of the ruck battle.
But they were unable to sustain the pressure, with the Saints booting four of the last five goals.
Riewoldt booted three goals and had 28 touches in an excellent return from injury for the champion forward.
There were fears the 34-year-old had suffered a career-ending knee injury when he went down in the Saints' first-round loss to Melbourne but he avoided serious damage and looks to have lost none of his touch.
Fellow veteran Montagna was also damaging for the Saints, finishing with 30 disposals and seven inside-50s.
Brisbane weren't helped by a knee injury to Darcy Gardiner during the second quarter which ended the young key defender's game.
But there was plenty to like for the Lions, with No.3 draft pick Hugh McCluggage and Jarrod Berry both showing poise on debut.