Saturday night’s win by the Bulldogs over the Saints might not have had polish of other, but it will sit amongst the satisfying for the emerging playing group.

The gritty six-point victory highlighted the growing resolve within the team, showcased by the Bulldogs' ability to weather a St Kilda storm on several occasions.

Bulldogs midfielder Marcus Bontempelli said his side was pleased to be able to get the game back on their terms late in the match.

“It was a bit of a turnover game and whoever could score off the back of it I guess was going to win,” Bontempelli said on Sunday, speaking with ABC Grandstand.

“Despite not really having the game on our terms for a lot of it, it was nice to grind it out and come away with the win.”

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The Saints matched the Bulldogs’ pressure for much of the night, trademarks of the two Club’s 2015 seasons.

“It’s well-known St Kilda’s pressure around the ball is incredible and they really went to work on trying to cut off our run and carry and our fast ball movement.

“That probably forced us to play a way that we don’t love to but to grind it out was a good showing.

“For us to win that and not have it on our terms the whole game I think is really important.”

Although the win propelled the Bulldogs to eighth place on the ladder, Bontempelli said the win was no more important than any other.

“Every win’s important to be honest… For us it’s just about playing the best football we can and if that can match it with the best teams then that’s the kind of football we want to play consistently.

“That’s the biggest challenge for us is to back it up week after week no matter the opposition and just produce good Bulldogs football."