The frustration was evident on Richmond faces on Saturday, as the reigning premier's winless restart to the 2020 season continued at the hands of swarming St Kilda at Marvel Stadium.

The impressive Saints were rampant, strangling the Tigers with their relentless pressure at every opportunity on their way to a convincing 15.3 (93) to 10.7 (67) victory.

The 26-point defeat leaves Richmond without a win since the season was abruptly interrupted in March, with its flag defence in the balance at a crucial juncture in the campaign.

It was an ex-Tiger doing the damage as 2017 premiership hero Dan Butler (13 disposals, three goals) helped the Saints break even on the season with their second win in three weeks.

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Tim Membrey (13 disposals, three goals) and Jack Lonie (16 disposals, two goals) also grew into the game, as three successive St Kilda majors after half-time helped the Saints carve open a crucial 28-point buffer in a slick and highly entertaining clash under the roof.

Toby Nankervis was perhaps Richmond's best in his return to the team and kicked a crucial goal on the three-quarter time buzzer to cut the deficit to just 15 points at the final change.

But St Kilda kept its composure when it mattered, with Brett Ratten's team producing a mature performance in the face of Richmond's late desperation to secure a thoroughly satisfying win.

Having lost the No.1 ruck role to Ivan Soldo late last year, Nankervis was playing in his first game since the resumption of the season on Saturday, and he was one of few positives for Richmond.

Up against one of the game's most promising young big men in Rowan Marshall, Nankervis was perhaps his side's most influential player.

Dominant in the air, Nankervis finished with 17 disposals, 26 hitouts, seven tackles and five clearances for the afternoon. His strong mark and composed goal on three-quarter time also ensured the Tigers stayed alive in the contest heading into the final term.

ST KILDA 5.2 8.2 12.2 15.3 (93)
RICHMOND 4.1 6.3 9.5 10.7 (67)

GOALS
St Kilda: Butler 3, Membrey 3, Lonie 2, Kent 2, Marshall 2, Battle, Hill, Marsh
Richmond: Lynch 2, Bolton 2, Edwards, Castagna, Riewoldt, Stack, Higgins, Nankervis

BEST
St Kilda: Butler, Steele, Membrey, Lonie, Billings, Long, Battle
Richmond: Nankervis, Higgins, Prestia, Edwards, Lynch

INJURIES
St Kilda: Ryder (soreness) replaced in selected side by Kent, Gresham (eye)
Richmond: Nil