St Kilda young gun Hunter Clark says his side's loss to Fremantle in round six helped galvanize the group and change the team's fortunes.
Speaking with AFL Nation after their 29-point win over Port Adelaide at the Adelaide Oval, the 21-year old says the shock loss to the Dockers helped his side adjust to life in the Queensland hub.
“It was a bit tough after the Freo loss, there was a few meetings and it was a bit of a depression week, but it’s brought us closer," he said.
“Nobody really knew what to expect (of the hub) when we came in but good weather makes it a bit easier.
“We’re a pretty young group so everyone has been getting along and hanging out with each other."
Clark impressed on Saturday night with 24 disposals, the most on the field, and credited Brett Ratten's mid-2019 elevation to the senior coaching role for his improvement in form.
“Last year when Ratts took over he gave me heaps of belief and I started to play some good footy," Clark said.
“This year I’ve been a bit up and down but I’m playing my role each week and it was nice to get on the end of a couple tonight.
“As a back six we’re all pretty young so it’s great to keep playing footy together and build that continuity."
Clark helped St Kilda record their second win at Adelaide Oval in a week after defeating the Adelaide Crows on Monday night.
The 2017 number seven draft pick said his side knew Port Adelaide would be a tough match up, but the Saints were determined to play their style of football.
“We knew it would be tough, they’re in great form," he said.
"We wanted to come here and play our way and not let a good team dictate how we went about it.
“The game was up for grabs at 3 quarter time and we continued to play our brand of footy."
The win ensured the Saints will finish the round in the top four.
St Kilda travel to Brisbane to host the Sydney Swans at the Gabba next Saturday evening.