Stunned St Kilda coach Ross Lyon has admitted for the first time that the Saints' golden modern-day run may be over without them ever achieving the ultimate success.

Lyon called their 52-point loss to Essendon indefensible.

The ageing Saints - with one draw and two losses to open the season - look a shadow of the team that came up just short in the 2009 and 2010 grand finals.

There was nothing to celebrate in skipper Nick Riewoldt's 200th game as the Bombers' stunning revival under new coach James Hird continued to gather steam.

"There's a few playing without honesty, discipline and selflessness," said Lyon.

" ... This group's been to five prelims, three under me, two grand finals under me.

"It's a lot of prelims, it's two grand finals ultimately short.

"Maybe it is a full transition. Maybe everyone's been right. Maybe I've been in denial.

"Maybe we've climbed the mountain too many times and we need to regenerate.

"Or alternatively keep picking honest players that are disciplined, selfless and try to shine again.

"I can't defend the indefensible. That was indefensible tonight.

"We're not playing anywhere near the brand of footy we've played the past two years.

"We're not doing what you need to be doing in the modern game.

"At the minute, if you want to get a kick and an uncontested mark, come and play against the Saints."

Seven Bombers kicked two goals or more in the 21.10 (136) to 12.12 (84) shellacking before a disbelieving, near-capacity crowd at Etihad Stadium.

Their bevy of dominant players included skipper Jobe Watson, the league's oldest player, 35-year-old Dustin Fletcher, and several of the best youngsters in the competition including Dyson Heppell and Michael Hurley.

The Saints have the bye next weekend, while the countdown is now on in earnest for the annual Anzac Day extravaganza between the Bombers and unbeaten flag favourites Collingwood.

Carlton stayedwith the Magpies for a quarter before Collingwood motored away, winning Friday night's clash at the MCG by 28 points.

The Magpies and Geelong top the ladder after round three with a maximum 12 points, after the Cats torched Port Adelaide by 79 points at Skilled Stadium on Sunday.

Sydney are outright third on 10 points, with skipper Adam Goodes willing them to a 15.11 (101) to 13.10 (88) victory over West Coast in Perth.

Essendon and resurgent Hawthorn are among a group of six teams on eight points, having won two of their three opening games.

Hawthorn belted Richmond by 63 points on Saturday night, with Lance Franklin easily taking the honours in the battle of the glamour full-forwards.

He booted five goals, while Jack Riewoldt could only manage one at the other end and was later publicly rebuked by Richmond coach Damien Hardwick for having a go at teammate Dustin Martin.

Liam Jurrah's five-goal haul was crucial in Melbourne holding on for an 11-point victory over Brisbane.

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