Inaccurate Brisbane pip St Kilda in AFLW

Reigning AFLW premiers Brisbane have overcome a giant scare from winless St Kilda to hang on and win by five points.

The inaccurate Lions trailed the Saints until midway through the third term in oppressive, windy conditions at Trevor Barker Oval in Sandringham on Sunday.

After kicking 11 behinds before slotting their first goal, the Lions rallied after half-time to win 3.13 (31) to 4.2 (26).

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The Lions were thrashed by Adelaide in the opening round but have now put together four consecutive wins to remain in contention for back-to-back flags.

St Kilda brought serious intensity and pressure early, as Nicola Xenos kicked two-first quarter goals to help the Saints grab a surprising eight-point lead.

Brisbane dominated the third quarter with goals to first-gamer Luka Yoshida-Martin and premiership heroes Sophie Conway and Greta Bodey to head into the final break with a handy 16-point advantage.

But the Saints came again, capitalising on kicking with a significant breeze to get within three points of the Lions midway through the last quarter through goals to Caitlin Greiser and Tilly Lucas-Rodd.

But the more talented Lions' class prevailed, holding out multiple charges from the brave Saints, including an opportunity near St Kilda's goals with just seconds to go.

"From quarter-time onwards, we were pretty good, in general play and we had the 16 shots at goal," Lions coach Craig Starcevich said.

"You'd be disappointed to lose a game like that but we definitely didn't come to play early enough and it could have cost us."

All-Australian contender Emily Bates continued her dominant campaign with 17 touches, while Irishwoman Orla O'Dwyer was again a standout.

In a concern for the