ST KILDA forward Adam Schneider says the memories of last year's grand final will not be haunting him as he prepares for this week's clash with Collingwood.

Schneider kicked 2.3 in the 2009 premiership decider, which included two close misses from relatively simple shots.

He finished the day as the Saints' only multiple goalkicker but was left to rue errant disposal when Geelong won by just 12 points.

But 12 months later, Schneider said he was well and truly over his disappointment.

"That is in the past. Once I get out there on Saturday it won't even cross my mind. It's all about the job at hand," he said.

"I've done everything I can to prepare myself for this year and put it all behind me and look forward to a new opportunity."

Schneider said his teammates had responded well to coach Ross Lyon's post-2009 edict that they had to remain focused and keep working hard after coming so close.

"We'd put so much effort into the year and to get so close was very frustrating and unrewarding. He (Lyon) said to us you've got to come back next year prepared to do the hard work and we are aiming to improve as a team," he said.

"If we do the hard work we'll give ourselves every chance. The boys responded very well when we came back at the start of pre-season and also we've had a very successful year so far.

"We're one step away from improving ourselves as a team and we've given ourselves a great chance to do that."

Schneider and fellow Saint Sean Dempster will be the most experienced grand final players to take the field this week, assuming they are both selected.

Before last year's match, they had also featured in two grand finals with the Sydney Swans, including the 2005 win.

Schneider said it was hard to offer advice to those approaching their first grand final as everyone prepared differently, but that it was important to not be too intense.

"I think they've got to enjoy the week and sit back and relax and not get caught up in the hype. Once you get out there it's just another game of footy," he said.

"Sure the intensity is high and all that kind of stuff, but they've got to stick to what they've done all year and get the job done and really go about the way they play their games all year.

"Hopefully they can help the team."