Despite a tense final term, Collingwood secured their sixth win of the VFL season on Friday afternoon, toppling St Kilda at La Trobe University.

In a strong four quarter performance, the black and white led all day to run out 14. 19 (103) to 14. 9 (93) winners.

Jack Buller kicked proceedings off for the Pies with a strong mark and grab in the early stages of the first quarter, before being outdone by Mitch Podhajksi who rose high for a contested mark of his own in the 10th minute of the match. 

Jai Saxena produced a brilliant running goal from the boundary not long after as the black and white started hot, part of a blistering seven-goal first term. 

Both Saxena and Buller had two majors by quarter time, as the Pies took a 22-point lead into the first break.

The second term proved to be more of an arm wrestle, with some inaccurate kicking proving costly for the Pies, but a late goal to Saxena kept the black and white in control at the main break. 

The Saints came hard out of the blocks to start the second half, quickly putting consecutive goals on the board.

Podhajksi steadied the ship for the Pies with his third and fourth goals to continue his strong game, however the Saints wouldn't go away. 

It was a 20-point lead at the final change as Senior Coach Matthew Lokan urged his side for one more push to secure the win.

Podhajksi's fifth was important in the early stages of the fourth quarter, however St Kilda surged and reduced the margin to nine points late in the game.

Some big marks by Buller helped suck time out of the clock as it wound down and while he didn't convert either shot on goal, it proved to be just enough as the Pies triumphed by 10 points.

Sam Swadling impressed in his return to the side with 28 disposals, however Podhajski was undoubtedly the star of the day after raking in eight marks to go with his bag of goals. 

Tyan Prindable and Tew Jiath (22 disposals each) also put in strong performances, while Harrison Coe starred with 27 hit outs. 

The Pies will take on top-of-the-table Geelong next Friday at GMHBA Stadium.