Improvement, not redemption, will be the focus for St Kilda on Friday night when they clash with AFL rivals Collingwood.

The Saints are on a roll, having won nine of their past 11 and boasting a six-game winning streak.

But Collingwood have become a bogey side following last year's two grand finals, with the Magpies also belting them by 57 points in round 11.

Saints star Brendon Goddard said Friday night's important clash would not dictate the rest of their season, but was rather an important step along the way.

"We have nothing to prove, there's no redemption ... they're the ones who have a premiership medal," Goddard said.

"This week's more about improving, seeing where we're at against the best team, see how far we have come.

"But by no means are we going to talk about redemption or getting one back.

"This game isn't going to determine the rest of the year.

"What's possible? Anything is possible for us."

St Kilda are back in the top eight and split Fremantle open in the last quarter on Friday night, blowing out a tight game to win by 41 points.

One of the features of the Fremantle win was the continued strong form of Saints ruck-forward Justin Koschitzke.

After a pre-season cruelled by injury, Koschitzke has regained fitness and form.

"We've always said that, Kosi helps our structure ... he makes our smaller players better by having a contest in the air and bringing the ball to ground," Goddard said.

"It's more about the impact he has around the ground. It's not so much his marks and kicks.

"We've always gauged him on his effort, rather than his stats."

The Dockers match was rugged for Goddard as he coped with a strong tag from Chris Mayne and physical work as well from other Dockers.

"I learn all the time how to deal with tags - a bit of team defence, as well," Goddard said.

"There was a bit of work off the ball from most of their players - it's also about bottling certain things inside. I didn't let the attention get to me at all, which has probably been an issue in the past.

"You could say I took some steps forward in that regard."

Goddard and Collingwood defender Harry O'Brien spoke after a marketing promotion on Monday, where they had dozens of kicks of the football.

O'Brien missed last weekend's game with knee soreness but, if his kicking work was any guide, he is a certain recall for Friday night.

"No problems at all - I think my fitness test was actually this ... I will report back to Mick (Malthouse) as soon as we're done and let him know the knee is fine," O'Brien joked.

"I still have to get through the rest of the week and we'll make an assessment right up to the last minute."

The Magpies will start strong favourites, but O'Brien said the resurgent Saints commanded respect.

"We really respect St Kilda. For the last two years, they've really set an example for us ... on how to play defence," O'Brien said.

"It's fantastic to see them improving since the last time we played.

"We're going to have to be playing our best to match it with them."

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