The soaring mark that won the game for St Kilda and blew out Harry Taylor's lights showed that Michael Gardiner was back after a remarkable comeback.

The 2003 All-Australian ruckman exhausted West Coast's patience in 2006 and missed their premiership because of his off-field misbehaviour.

He was traded to the Saints at the end of '06 and it was a much-criticised move, especially when Gardiner missed the entire 2007 season through injury.

But the athletic ruckman with the long legs steadily regained form and fitness and this year has formed a strong ruck duo with Steven King.

Gardiner was among St Kilda's best in their epic six-point win over Geelong on Sunday at Etihad Stadium.

He had a big run-up with less than two minutes left before crashing into the pack and taking the crucial mark, knocking out Taylor in the process.

Gardiner then kicked the match-winning goal.

"Since he arrived, he's earnt a lot of respect, he's worked really hard, got his body right and has been just huge for us," said Saints captain Nick Riewoldt.

"He's a very strong character, he's turned his life around and he's playing really good footy - which for us is huge.

"The club showed a lot of faith in Michael and right from the start, when Michael came across and spoke to the leadership group, he promised certain things and the way he was going to go about it.

"He's been true to his word right the way through.

"You can only take someone on his word and he hasn't let anyone down since he's come across - he's extremely dedicated to his footy, he works super-hard, he's very diligent with his body, does all the extras."

Saints coach Ross Lyon said onballer had made the right decision with his long kick to the "hot-spot" in front of goal, giving the opportunity for Gardiner and the other tall players to fly for the crucial mark.

"He got there, he launched - we've seen Michael take some good marks forward and obviously his confidence was up," Lyon said.

"He took what was a special mark, a pack mark, and that's probably the value of the talls in pressure situations - if there's no obvious option, you can go in and they can launch."

Lyon added it was pleasing to see Gardiner make the most of his second opportunity as an AFL player.

"That's self-evident, to see people get a second chance and work hard and earn respect of your club and your team-mates," he said.

"It's a redeeming feature of AFL clubs and Aussie Rules, it's a game where people can display character after they've been knocked down."

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