St Kilda on Saturday displayed its AFL premiership credentials, brushing off a physical assault by Melbourne to inflict an 88-point MCG crushing which left Demons coach Neale Daniher searching for the panic button.

In what was arguably the most complete display by any side this season, the Saints, back to full strength, destroyed the match as a contest soon after half-time to win 27.14 (176) to 13.10 (88).

They now have five straight wins, by an average of 65 points, while Melbourne has lost six on the trot and is set to tumble from the top eight by the end of the round.

While saying the perfect game was unattainable, Saints coach Grant Thomas said there was not much wrong with Saturday's effort.

"We had a very even team performance and that's what we strive for," he said.

"I thought everyone made a valuable contribution.

"We had the most selfless acts we've had for the year."

Significantly, Aaron Hamill starred in his return from a long injury absence, Nick Riewoldt withstood an early mob attack by the Demons, and midfield veteran Robert Harvey and defender Luke Penny also made solid returns.

The match had a finals-like feel early, with Melbourne players instigating plenty of scuffles, and bombarding Riewoldt to test his recovery from a shoulder injury.

The Saints just focused on winning the ball and kicked five quick goals to race to a 22-point lead within 12 minutes.

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