Jack Steven says St Kilda’s next challenge is to find consistency in their performances

ST KILDA midfielder Jack Steven says the Saints must find consistency in their performances after achieving their aim of bringing down a big “scalp”.

Patrick Dangerfield in action against Jack Steven. Picture: AAP

ST KILDA midfielder Jack Steven says the Saints must now find more consistency in their performances after achieving their aim of bringing down a big AFL “scalp”.

In what has been hailed as St Kilda’s best win under coach Alan Richardson, the Saints toppled ladder leaders and flag favourites Geelong with a three-point upset on Saturday night at Etihad Stadium.

Having fallen just short in battles against Hawthorn and North Melbourne earlier in the season, Steven said the Saints had been targeting a top-eight victim.

But he said the next step was to bring that same intensity to their game each week.

“Obviously we hadn’t had a (big) scalp and that’s something we were aiming for,’’ Steven said.

“It just helped with our intensity early, it really set the tone for the day.

“We had a really good strong week on the track and spoke about being more consistent.

“We just thought we would let it rip and we did it for four quarters, so it was really nice.’’

With matches against the Gold Coast and Essendon in the next two weeks, the Saints have the chance to build on their impressive victory.

Jack Steven celebrates the winning goal. Picture: Getty

Steven said the team’s midyear review had identified consistency as the biggest issue for the Saints in the first half of the season.

“We looked at it that we were a little bit inconsistent still,’’ Steven said.

“Our good is pretty good and holds up against good teams but obviously against West Coast and Adelaide our poor is really poor.

“So that was what we pretty much spoke about that we have got to be more consistent over four quarters and each week so that is the next step for our group.’’

Steven, who was one of the Saints’ best contributing a crucial last quarter goal, described the closing stages of the match as “pretty scary”.

“They were ... pumping it in and everyone was pretty tired, we were tired and they were tired so the boys stood up really well there,’’ Steven said.

“Happy that (there were) no frees or anything and we dug in so it was good.

“It was definitely a good win but I think the best thing about it was the way that they really came at us and in previous weeks we might have rolled over but we really dug in.’’

Steven labelled Seb Ross’ performance on Cats’ star Patrick Dangerfield as “sensational’’ and lapped up first-year player Jade Gresham’s last-quarter snap.

“That was awesome wasn’t it?,’’ Steven said.

“He is a great kid and he has got a great step on him so we try and encourage him to take the game on and it’s good to see him doing it at AFL level. It was pretty impressive.’’