The Giants (3-7) will rue a missed opportunity after they held the greatest margin of the tussle when leading by 13 points in the opening term.
Giants’ key forward Jesse Hogan was a threat in the air throughout and slotted two majors, but was off target with a set shot in the dying stages that would have reduced the margin to less than a goal.
Giants skipper Toby Greene also had two goals on his return from a stint on the sidelines, while Brent Daniels lit up the forward half with 23 disposals and two goals.
Former co-captains Stephen Coniglio (26 disposals, one goal) and Josh Kelly (24 disposals, one goal) also led the way for the Giants, while Tom Green (29 touches) battled hard around the stoppages.
The Giants led by four points at the first change and the scores were level at the main break after the lead had changed hands eight times in an even opening half.
The tight contest continued through the third term, the lead changing three more times as the Saints took a three-point advantage into the last quarter before holding on late in the game.
The Giants next head to Geelong to take on the reigning premiers Geelong Cats from 4.35pm on Saturday.
