St Kilda midfielder Jack Newnes says the Saints ability to respond when challenged by the Western Bulldogs was one of the most satisfying aspects of Saturday night’s 15-point win.

Three goals in three minutes by Luke Beveridge’s side saw a 19-point lead evaporate in the third quarter, before the Saints steadied the ship in the final term, holding the Dogs scoreless to steer to a third consecutive win.

Newnes played a key role on a wing, collecting 26 possessions at an elite efficiency rate of 85 per cent, as well as registering 479 metres gained – second highest on the ground.

The 23-year-old said St Kilda Coach Alan Richardson was thrilled with the effort and the Saints ability to play their brand of football against high quality opposition.

Sign up and belong in 2016 - Get your 3-game membership here 

“He was just really happy with our effort. I guess when they came at us, we fought back again similar to last week,” Newnes told saints.com.au after St Kilda’s 15-point win over the Western Bulldogs.

“We’re really happy with the result, we’ve got five games to go and hopefully we can have a strong finish to the year.

“If we play our way – Saints footy – heaps of pressure, clean with our hands and get the ball long and deep, it’s managed to work so hopefully we can keep doing that.”

Opposed to one of the premier midfields in the competition, St Kilda’s onball department stood tall on Saturday night.

Newnes praised the performances of Jack Steven, David Armitage, Seb Ross and Luke Dunstan, after the Saints restricted the Bulldogs potency around the ball.

“Richo spoke about the role Sebby played on [Patrick] Dangerfield in the Geelong game, how he wasn’t in awe of him he just played his own way, I thought the mids played that way tonight,” Newnes said.

“Once again [Steven] had 39 and absolutely dominated, Armo, Luke Dunstan and Sebby were really tough in there and won us the ball.”

Limited Edition History Book: Celebrating 50 Years 1966-2016 The Archives Edition