A frank end of season conversation between St Kilda Coach Alan Richardson and Mav Weller prompted the explosive forward to make a big change over the break.

After a frustrating year limited by a lingering ankle issue that prevented him from training consistently and from performing at his peak, Weller has stripped eight kilograms off his frame.

Weller, 25, is confident his body transformation will reduce the impact on his ankle and help him cover the ground easier in 2018.

“Richo and I had a private conversation about it. We just thought there’s no point having it on; it’s a running game these days and you’ve got to be nice and light,” Weller told saints.com.au on Tuesday.

“It just sort of snuck up on me last year. With the ankle injury, I was restricted with what I could do during the week and I ballooned a little bit by doing weights and not too much aerobic fitness and then playing on the weekend. So I probably got a little bit too heavy.

“I had a focus over the break to trim down a little bit and get a bit leaner. Hopefully, it takes a little bit of pressure off my ankle and be able to run a little bit better."

Despite playing 18 games in 2017, Weller didn’t reach the heights he had climbed across his first three years at Linen House Centre and the standard he expects of himself.

With his ankle issues now behind him, the Saints’ leader has made an eye-catching start to the summer, finishing fourth in the 3km time-trial a fortnight ago, as well as setting the tone on the track.

“I struggled with it [ankle injury] to be honest with you, I was battling there for a bit,” he said.

“Being a leader of the footy club and wanting to put my best foot forward and do my bit for the team, and struggling with injuries and also form was difficult.

“Playing through injuries was new to me and I sort of battled through it. I learnt a lot from it. I’m really excited about this season and not looking back too much.”