St Kilda have rallied late to triumph by 34 points over Fremantle at Etihad Stadium.
The Saints kicked the final nine goals of a topsy-turvy tussle on Saturday to prevail 15.11 (101) to 10.7 (67).
Freo threatened to notch their first win of the season after a quarter-time spray from coach Ross Lyon.
The visitors piled on six consecutive goals to take control of the contest, only for the Saints to respond in style.
Fremantle will be looking to get a win on the board next Saturday when they host Essendon.
St Kilda regained the lead when Maverick Weller kicked truly with 12 minutes remaining and never looked back.
Talking points after St Kilda loss
David Armitage was the leading best-on-ground contender, tallying a game-high 17 tackles, seven clearances and 28 disposals.
Jack Steven, Leigh Montagna and Nick Riewoldt were also influential, while Tim Membrey booted three goals for the hosts.
Fremantle were poor in the first term, conceding the opening four goals of the game.
"The first quarter was terrible," Lyon said.
"We weren't hunting the ball and tackling so I got them in a circle at quarter-time.
"Put them in their divisions and just said we're not accepting it as a football club ... we need to dig in.
"They were pretty simple messages.
"Clearly some right things were mentioned and clearly they listened ... we really responded."
They trailed by 28 points at one stage.
Watch Hayden Crozier's screamer
Lyon was furious with the fact St Kilda laid 20 more tackles in the first term despite winning so much of the ball.
"I'm incredibly disappointed," Lyon told Fox Footy after delivering his quarter-time address.
"Our inside midfielders aren't tackling (or) working - forwards getting bounced off.
"Couldn't be more disappointed to be truthful - I just want some character."
Lachie Neale led an impressive response from Freo but the Saints stepped up when the game was in the balance.
ST KILDA 5.4 6.8 7.9 15.11 (101)
FREMANTLE 3.0 7.1 10.4 10.7 (67)
GOALS
St Kilda: Membrey 3, McCartin 2, Riewoldt 2, Bruce 2, Newnes, Armitage, Murdoch, Steven, Weller, Gresham
Fremantle: Weller 2, Langdon 2, Taberner 2, Walters, Pavlich, Sheridan, Neale
BEST
St Kilda: Steven, Armitage, Riewoldt, Fisher, McCartin
Fremantle: Neale, Barlow, Hill, Blakely, Crozier
INJURIES
St Kilda: Nil
Fremantle: Sutcliffe (ankle)
Reports: Nil
Umpires: Donlon, Stephens, Edwards
Official crowd: TBC at Etihad Stadium
