Twelve years after his AFL dream transplanted him from Brocklesby, NSW, to south-east Melbourne, Koschitzke still has a preference for living the simple life and speaks with a strong, engaging country drawl.
His relaxed nature seems more evident now than at any time in a career that began when the Saints took him with the second pick at the 2000 National Draft.
For years Koschitzke was heavily analysed by the football media but largely kept his views and frustrations to himself as he searched for consistency in a career that has been punctuated by injury and the occasional form lapse.
But in 2012 the tall forward has happily welcomed the media glare, often fronting the cameras as the team's spokesman while enjoying banter with reporters as soon as his duties are completed.
The 29-year-old admits there has been a slight change of mindset as he plays some of the best football of his career.
"I suppose I've relaxed a little bit more. I don't know what it is, it's funny you got that perception," Koschitzke told AFL.com.au.
"I haven't done a lot in the last few years, whether it be injury or form or whatever, but I'm pretty happy with where I'm at and happy to get on with it."
Koschitzke has played 18 of the Saints' 19 games in 2012, with only five AFL players taking more than his 33 contested marks.
As with any forward, he still has the odd quiet day, but they are less frequent than in years gone by.
"I think probably just the consistency and work rate I've been able to put out has been a lot better. I don't want to mozz myself but I've missed only one game and that was through suspension," he said.
"The body has been really good this year after a good pre-season. I've been happy with my output, being able to support the other forwards and support Benny McEvoy in the ruck and put in some solid performances. It has been a successful year."
His durability has largely come about because of a rare uninterrupted pre-season and while he has officially become a St Kilda veteran (teammate Jason Blake was delisted and re-drafted so the Saints could include Koschitzke on its veterans list), he takes pride in keeping up with some younger teammates.
"I think it was because I just didn't break anything the year before. In 2010 I was coming off an ankle reco and that took time. It didn't allow me to run but this year I was able to consistently get out there and do all the sessions," he said.
"I modified it a little bit; getting a touch older I did a little more on the bike and in the pool, but basically I did all the running and got out there with all the boys."
The boy from Brocklesby is now a husband, a father and a life member of the club that drafted him seconds after close friend Nick Riewoldt all those years ago. He is well and truly an elder statesman of the Saints, but after 12 years and 193 games, he has as much youthful bounce as ever.
"You get to my age, I'll be 30 next month … gee, that's come quick, but right now I don't feel that age at all," he said.
"I know people will start talking about me in terms of being an old footballer, but the way I'm feeling now with the excitement around the coaching staff and the kids and the way my body is, I'm feeling 21.
"Who knows when it is going to catch up on me but the way I'm feeling now I'm good, happy and ready to rock n roll."
Luke Holmesby covers St Kilda news for AFL.com.au. Follow him on Twitter - @AFL_Luke
