Extreme flooding tactics have enabled an undermanned St Kilda to frustrate a dangerous Carlton attack and notch a much-needed 18.17 (125) to 11.16 (82) AFL victory at Telstra Dome.

The Saints' tactics were far from attractive as they lined up with as many as nine players in defence at times.

But after being thrashed by Essendon and Port Adelaide in the previous two rounds, the 43-point win was certainly welcome, taking them to a 3-3 win-loss record.

The icing on the cake was a six-goal haul to spearhead Fraser Gehrig.

It was a welcome return to goal-kicking form for the burly forward, who had kicked just five goals in his previous four matches this season.

But the clear standout for the Saints was Nick Dal Santo, who gathered 26 disposals and used the ball beautifully, with Gehrig having the classy left-footer to thank for setting up several of his goals.

Carlton full-forward Brendan Fevola also booted six goals, including three in the third quarter, when he helped the Blues charge back into contention after trailing by 21 points at half-time.

Saints coach Ross Lyon said his team showed grit in the third term when the Blues fought back.

"I thought we showed really good character, strong leadership and poise under pressure," he said.

Lyon said tactically his side made some progress, but more important was the intensity they showed in tackling and winning the ball.

"We did take a couple of steps forward with our ball use during (the third quarter), a little bit of tempo footy I suppose, which was a positive," he said.

"It's not about tactics, it's about competing and about tackling and about winning the ball.

"You talk about game plans, that's what a game plan is, then you have some strategies, if you don't execute the basics nothing counts."

Lyon was also excited about the performances of James Gwilt on Fevola and fellow youngsters Sam Gilbert, who kicked two goals, and elevated rookie-list player Clinton Jones.

"James Gwilt I think particularly in the first half he really delivered," he said.

"He had good support, but I'm not sure how many people would have thought James Gwilt (would play on) Brendon Fevola, or Sam Gilbert would have the impact, or Clint Jones would run and chase and tackle like he did.

"That's a step forward for our list with a bit of pace and athleticism."

Carlton coach Denis Pagan said his side was missing the experience of injured players Anthony Koutoufides, Brad Fisher, Nick Stevens and Simon Wiggins and had also tired badly in the final term.

"We started (the season) so well, we get four or five injuries, we always knew that with four or five injuries, we don't bat as deep as anyone," Pagan said.

"We had a good run early in the piece, it's not an excuse.

"You check and say 'how many guys under 40 games experience?' There's a hell of a lot in our side, maybe 13 or 14, it makes a massive difference I can assure you.

"They're going to learn from tonight, they're going to grow as a result of it."

With St Kilda missing regular key defenders Max Hudghton, Matt Maguire and Sam Fisher through injury, Fevola and fellow key forward Blues captain Lance Whitnall loomed as significant dangers.

With Gwilt playing on Fevola and Brendon Goddard on Whitnall, the Saints defenders relied heavily on team-mates helping them out to create two-on-one contests and block the space for the Blues' forwards.

The Saints were also able to run the ball out of defence, with Gwilt running off Fevola well and the likes of Jason Gram, Leigh Fisher and Leigh Montagna also providing run.

The Saints led by 21 points at half-time and kicked three of the first four goals of the second half, with a Gram running goal 10 minutes into the half helping them to a 34-point lead.

But Carlton were finally able to break the shackles, getting on top in the centre square and pouring on five goals in 10 minutes to surge back to within three points and turn the match into an exciting contest.

Fevola and Whitnall scored three between them in the space of four minutes during that patch as the Blues threatened to overwhelm the Saints.

But St Kilda responded by flooding their defence even more heavily and slowing the game down.

St Kilda outscored a tiring Blues outfit 5.6 to 1.2 in the fourth term.

St Kilda tagger Steven Baker was reported in the final term for allegedly striking Carlton's Marc Murphy.

Baker could also come under the scrutiny of the match review panel for a front-on bump on the Blues' Jordan Russell in the opening quarter.

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