New St Kilda key defender Nathan Brown believes his off-season move from Collingwood has reinvigorated him at an important stage of his career.

The premiership full-back landed at Linen House Centre during a prosperous trade period for the Saints, where the club also acquired Western Bulldogs midfielder Koby Stevens and opportunity starved Giant Jack Steele.

After 11 seasons at the Magpies, Brown admits he has been revitalised by a change in environment at 28, indicating that the switch could help him get the most out himself in the latter part of his career.

“A lot of people were surprised with the move, but for me, I think it was the right time,” Brown told Melbourne radio station RSN on Friday morning.

“Being somewhere for 11 years you get used to something and into a habit and the way of playing footy and all that kind of stuff. When I went across the first couple of weeks it was like I was a young player again.

“It’s given me the kick up the bum I sort of needed at this time of my career to go again and elevate again and get something more out of my career in terms of football.

“So far I’ve been at the Saints for three months and I’ve absolutely enjoyed it, training’s great and all that kind of stuff and I’m loving the environment down there. Hopefully that translates to my performance and I can contribute to the team in the season.”

Having previously spent time matched up on Josh Bruce when wearing black and white, Brown now faces an old foe in a different format – on the training track.

The former Collingwood vice-captain says he has relished the opportunity to work closely with Bruce and emerging young spearhead Paddy McCartin in match simulation and in training drills this pre-season.  

“‘Brucey’ and Paddy McCartin are the guys I match up on at training and they’ve been fantastic for me.

“We do a lot of work together, particularly wrestling and all the game style fitness stuff as well, so we’re pushing each other.

“For me as a 28-year-old working with these younger guys who are full of energy and enthusiasm it’s great for me.

“But it’s also good for each other as a whole that we can work hard to push each other forward, so I’ve really enjoyed that side of it. It is a young forward line but it’s very exciting and it’s absolutely great for the club.”