ST KILDA will get its first chance on Saturday to test its latest travel plans as it seeks to overturn recent poor form on the road.

In a glaring stat, the Saints lost all five interstate fixtures in 2016 by an average margin of 45 points.

That tale of woe included a 103-point thrashing at hands of West Coast - their opponents at Domain Stadium on Saturday evening. 

Forward Jade Gresham said the players had been told to keep their preparations as normal as possible on their trip west. 

The Saints' last victory on the road was over the Brisbane Lions at the Gabba back in round nine 2015. 

"We're going to keep it the same and go over (to Perth) a day before, like a lot clubs do," Gresham told AFL.com.au. 

"We've been told to keep the same routine as we do in Melbourne, whether you watch the footy the night before or what not, just keep it the same as you do at home.

"We've struggled interstate over the past couple of years, but we'll go into the game with a lot of confidence to match it with one of the best sides in the competition." 

Leadership group member Mav Weller preached a similar approach to travel during the JLT Community Series, prior to the Saints' final game against Sydney. 

As they look to overcome their interstate hoodoo, St Kilda won't be in the best of form after giving up a four goal quarter-time lead in the loss to Melbourne last week. 

Gresham put the uncharacteristic performance down to the Saints being "a bit off", and said the side's renowned pressure was not at its usual high standard.

"Last week was pretty disappointing after we set ourselves for round one and we were really excited going into the game," he said. 

"We didn't really bring our pressure and string four quarters together. 

"If you don't apply pressure, you won't be in the side.

"But there's no better way than to bounce back than with a trip over to WA to play the Eagles. 

While the opening round threw up few positives for coach Allan Richardson, Gresham's performance enhanced his credentials as one of the Saints' brightest young talents.

His three-goal game built on an impressive debut campaign that saw him poll votes in last year's NAB AFL Rising Star award.

"It was nice to get onto a few last week and play my role, but I've still got a lot of improvement in me," Gresham said. 

"I did a bit more training with the mids over the pre season which was good, but I'll still be playing majority forward with a few spurts on the ball. 

"Hopefully each game I'll play more and more in there (the midfield) which I'll love."