SCOTT Watters says it will be business as usual for the Saints in their lead-up to their first match against St Kilda's former coach, Ross Lyon.
St Kilda defeated the Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium by 63 points on Saturday night and now the Saints take on Fremantle at Etihad Stadium on Friday.
The match that will attract extra interest around the nation because of Lyon's controversial exit from the Saints after last season.
"There'll probably be a bit of noise during the week," Watters said. "That will make it slightly different.
"But it won't change our preparation at all.
"We play a talented side. We look forward to that. It's another challenge."
St Kilda midfielder Leigh Montagna, who had 27 disposals and was among the Saints' best in their demolition of the Bulldogs, said he expected there to be interest over Lyon's first match against his old team.
"But, really, from the players' point of view there'll be nothing different," he said.
"We're looking forward to the challenge of playing Fremantle on a big stage."
Fremantle defeated Brisbane Lions by 29 points at Patersons Stadium in a performance that had the hallmarks of St Kilda when Lyon was at the helm.
Freo choked up the match before winning eight goals to five.
St Kilda showed why at this early stage of the season it's the top-ranked team for converting goal opportunities. It won in a canter, despite the fact that the Bulldogs had four more inside 50s (50-46).
The range and potency of the Saints' attack was shown by the fact their first 10 goals were kicked by 10 players.
Riewoldt broke the sequence when he ran into an open goal to kick his second at the 13-minute mark of the third quarter.
The Saints at that stage led by 54 points and were in the middle of a surge that netted them seven goals in the third quarter while holding the Bulldogs to one.
The Saints led by 69 points at three-quarter time, 13.9 (87) to 2.6 (18).
Watters was pleased with a performance that showed the Saints no longer had to rely on their star veterans to kick a winning score.
"If it happened like that every week, we'd be pretty happy," he said.
"A multi-faceted forward set-up is what we’ve aimed for. It has to be a shared load."
He said the Saints' early efforts set up their victory.
"I thought our pressure early in the game was outstanding. The players really delivered."
The only fault he could find in a comprehensive performance was some skill errors.
"We still feel we're a work in progress. We have some areas we need to continue to improve in.
"I think we could be tidier with our skills. That's something we'll continue to work on."
Midfielder Clint Jones was typically diligent in his 100th game, picking up 24 disposals while keeping Bulldogs star Ryan Griffen to 18.
Watters described Jones's work rate as outstanding.
"He just works and works and works," he said.
Montagna praised fellow midfielder Lenny Hayes, who was back to his best in his third game since returning from the knee injury that kept him out last season.
"He's the heart and soul of the club," Montagna said.
"When he's up and going he makes everyone in the side he makes everyone walk taller.
"It's great to have him back in the side because we all love Lenny."
