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St Kilda, shocked by Essendon, face a tough three weeks as they look to hold their place in the AFL's top eight.

St Kilda coach Brett Ratten says his side have been given a "reality check" by the shock 35-point AFL loss to Essendon.

The Saints sat on the verge of the top-four heading into Friday night's contest at Marvel Stadium but now face a fight to hold on to their top-eight spot.

They take on top-six sides Sydney, Carlton and Fremantle in a tough schedule over the next three weeks.

St Kilda were comprehensively outplayed by lowly Essendon, save for a 15-minute burst in the third quarter that briefly revived their chances.

"I think it's a reality check for our players," Ratten said.

"You're never as good as you think you are and you're never as bad as you think you are, but tonight's performance was very, very bad.

"When you look at all aspects of the game ... some of the spread, ball use and defence, the combination of the game, we were below par in nearly every aspect.

"I was trying to work out if we actually had a clear winner on the ground and I'd say (Josh) Battle was the only one."

Ratten was particularly deflated with his side's horror performance given it was delivered in 'Spud's Game'.

The feature match is dedicated to raising awareness about mental health and suicide prevention, in honour of late club great Danny Frawley.

"It's a bit hard to swallow on a Friday night in Spud's Game (in front of) our supporters," Ratten said.

"We dedicate the game to a legend of our footy club and the legacy that he's left around mental health, then we produce that.

"It makes you a bit flat."

St Kilda registered season-worst numbers in contested possession, tackle count and points conceded from turnovers against Essendon.

They laid just 38 tackles for the entire game.

"That isn't where we're at and that defensively is unacceptable," Ratten said.

"We conceded 61 inside-50s and good luck trying to win games of footy when you concede that much."

Ratten said captain Jack Steele will return from his shoulder injury against Sydney at the SCG in round 15.