ST KILDA produced a timely turnaround to cruise past Carlton by 40 points in their round two AFL game at the Telstra Domelast night.

Although still short of their best, the Saints fought back from a 23-point deficit and shoddy start to boot 17 goals to eight after quarter-time, winning 19.11 (125) to 12.13 (85).

The margin came despite low contributions from key forwards Nick Riewoldt (two goals) and Justin Koschitzke (none), who were well held by their opponents.

Although the Saints could still conjure enough goal kickers, led by Fraser Gehrig and Stephen Milne (four each) and Xavier Clarke (three), their defence deserved much of the credit for the win.

Sam Fisher marshalled the backline superbly, Max Hudghton broke even with Brendan Fevola (two goals) and Jason Gram and Clarke set-up countless attacks with their run and good kicking from half-back.

St Kilda's impressive shutdown on Carlton came after they conceded just six goals in the narrow win over Sydney last week.

St Kilda has now beaten Carlton 10 games in succession, a streak dating back to 2002.

Carlton made a brilliant start to the game by booting the opening four goals and deserved a greater lead at the first break than 11 points.

But the Blues could not continue the sharp disposal and hard running of the opening term and the Saints gradually took control once Carlton's skill level dropped away. The Saints led by 13 points at half-time and effectively ended the contest in the third term, kicking the only four goals.

With the sting out of the game in the final quarter the Saints booted seven goals to six in an otherwise meaningless last term.

Riewoldt was shaded by Jarrad Waite for most of the night but broke free in the last quarter to kick his two goals, but Koschitzke had his colours lowered by Bret Thornton, who did a great job following the withdrawal of Michael Jamison (hamstring tightness).

Gehrig did well in his first game of the season by kicking a goal in each quarter, while Milne was his usual zippy self and kicked all his majors after halftime.

In last night's other match Hawthorn defeated Fremantle at Subiaco 16.16 (112) to 14.13 (97) with Lance Franklin and Jarryd Roughead kicking four goals for the Hawks.