Four consecutive second-half goals saw the Giants break away and consolidate their top spot on the ladder.
But they received an almighty late scare, with the Saints kicking the final six goals of the match to almost turn around a 35-point deficit and trail by a solitary point with 41 seconds left.
A heroic late mark from Giants substitute James Peatling, helped secure the victory, with Adam Kingsley’s side winning 11.14 (80) and 12.7 (79) to maintain their unbeaten start to the year.
The late run produced a scoreboard that probably flattered St Kilda, who were well beaten before their late surge gave them a puncher’s chance against a Giants side that was hit hard by injury.
Taylor was knocked out in a sickening accidental head clash in the first quarter, with the game halted by almost 10 minutes as he received medical attention.
Coniglio suffered a knee injury late in the match but was cleared of any serious issue.
Forwards Toby Greene and Jesse Hogan found two goals each for the Giants, with the latter’s set shot seconds before three-quarter time putting the Giants into what seemed to be a match-winning, 29-point lead.
Tom Green, who slotted a brilliant snapped goal on the run early to stamp his authority on the game, finished with 24 touches and five clearances, with teammate Lachie Whitfield racking up a game-high 34 disposals.
The Giants next take on Carlton this Saturday from 4.35pm at Marvel Stadium, Melbourne.
GWS survive late scare in thriller
THE GWS Giants have held off a fast-finishing St Kilda side at Manuka Oval by just one point on Saturday but injuries to star players Sam Taylor and Stephen Coniglio have soured their fifth win of the season.
