The Saints were tested early, but ran away with the contest in the third term to win 7.9 (51) to 3.4 (22) in a Friday night game as the lights briefly went out at RSEA Park.

The Cats controlled parts of the first half in general play but could not put that dominance on the scoreboard as they wasted multiple opportunities.

St Kilda pulled away to a 37-point lead, before late goals to Georgie Rankin and Phoebe McWilliams ensured Geelong finished with their highest score of the season.

Forward Caitlin Greiser was a constant danger for Geelong's defence as the All-Australian booted three goals to double her season tally.

Saints speedster Kate McCarthy looked to be done for the game when she was on the end of a heavy tackle in the first quarter and assisted from the field.

But the former Brisbane Lions ace returned to the ground and kicked an inspiring goal late in the game.

Tall forward Kate Shierlaw's contender for goal-of-the-year, when she snapped a shot from the pocket on the run, had the parochial Saints crowd roaring late in the third quarter.

Rosie Dillon and Tilly Lucas-Rodd were prolific for St Kilda, while Geelong were best served by McWilliams, Amy McDonald and captain Meghan McDonald.

While the Saints' third-quarter blitz set the game up, coach Peta Searle believed the signs were good in the second term.

"I thought the way we were trying to play the game and moving the ball was much more positive," she said.

"It was actually a bit easier to go into half-time with some positives to reinforce how we were playing."

The Saints move to 2-2 after their first victory since round one, while the Cats languish on the bottom of the ladder as one of four winless teams with West Coast, Gold Coast and Richmond.

"There were elements of the game we were really pleased with; the first quarter looked terrific," Geelong coach Paul Hood said.

"We're struggling at the moment to balance attacking and defending at the same time. We're working through that as a developing team."

Australian Associated Press