Hawthorn Coach Sam Mitchell says he was torn with how to feel following his side’s narrow loss to St Kilda at Marvel Stadium on Saturday.

The Saints blitzed the Hawks for most of the game, jumping out to a 44-point lead in the third term.

But Hawthorn launched a late comeback by booting the last five goals of the match, only for St Kilda to hold on and win by 12 points.

Speaking to the media post-match Mitchell said he felt as though his team had taken some steps in the right direction following their effort.

“I’m torn between being enormously disappointed in the first half, and reasonably pleased with fighting it out,” Mitchell said.

“At half time we were minus 30 contested possession and about the same on the scoreboard.

“The game should’ve been put to bed by half time, I thought they were a far better side.

“But the pleasing part about today was that we were able to reel it back in and show something and get close-ish late.

“So there are some more positives in that aspect, but you can’t give up a start like that.”

Hear Mitchell’s full post-match press conference below.