Managing risk and maximum effort mean different things for different AFL players - take St Kilda stars Luke Ball and Justin Koschitzke.

They starred in the Saints' 80-point demolition of bottom side Carlton at Telstra Dome, with the 23.15 (153) to 11.7 (73) result giving the club a handy percentage boost as the contest for a top-four berth heats up.

This was injury-prone Koschitzke's second match back from six games out with leg injuries.

The acting captain led superbly with four goals and 11 marks in a best-afield game, repeating his strong form from last week.

Coach Grant Thomas had a long chat with Koschitzke not long ago about maybe being a little less cavalier with his effort and courage, bearing in mind his body sometimes fails his faultless determination.

"There's situations (that) 'Kosy' just needs to maybe think twice about, because sometimes he puts himself in danger that he doesn't need to put himself into," Thomas said.

"He could be just as effective doing something else.

"It's not about controlling his competitive spirit, it's more about him just being a bit smarter, just how he goes about the game.

"He didn't over-cook himself (today)....I thought he was very smart, the way he played."

Ball, meanwhile, once again had his head heavily bandaged after receiving a knock in play.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP