Having been challenged by coach Mick Malthouse in the lead up to the game, the Magpies responded by holding off the Saints in a tough and tight encounter.
“It was good as a team to get the win but I think there’s some individuals who took a step that hopefully we can build on and take more steps in the next few weeks because, quite honestly, we need to,” Burns said.
“If we stay where we are at the moment then we’re going to be where we are.”
While Malthouse did not name names, Burns said he felt as much pressure to perform as anyone in the 22 that faced the Saints.
“I guess I was under the pump as much as any of those guys because we’ve all been a bit up and down throughout the year,” he said.
“It doesn’t matter whether you’re 18 or 33 you still need a kick up the backside at times and you still need a pat on the pack to say well done.
“If you are going to survive for long enough in this competition then the ones who can’t handle it (criticism) are the ones who won’t last.
“We got a pretty strong and pretty resilient group and we’re usually pretty good at bouncing back. We’ve got to take the next step now and be more resilient now from week to week.”
The 33-year-old had 22 possessions and kicked two clutch goals, including the side’s last midway through the final term, to kick the team 16 points clear.
While pleased to have played a part in the win, Burns was far from satisfied.
“I still feel like I’ve got a fair bit of work to do,” Burns said.
“I’ve just got to make sure that when I’m out there I’ve got the intensity up.”
At 4-4 and clinging to a place in the bottom half of the eight, Collingwood faces reigning premier Geelong next Friday night in what looms as one of the home and away games of the season.
Burns said the Pies had to get its centre clearances right against the Cats after getting smashed 16-6 by the Saints.
Burns praised the side’s ability to hang on after previously coughing up leads against Brisbane and North Melbourne. He said the Cats provided the game’s sternest challenge.
“We come up against one of the best team’s in the comp in Geelong and we’ve got a fair bit of work to do,” he said.
