No hard feelings for Ball

COLLINGWOOD recruit Luke Ball says he doesn't harbour any ill-feeling towards former club St Kilda or coach Ross Lyon.

Ball admitted it was "a huge relief" to join the Magpies in Thursday night's NAB AFL Draft after Collingwood swooped with its first selection, pick 30.

That brought to an end a tumultuous post-season period for the 25-year-old, who had attempted to join the Magpies during the trade period.

St Kilda had offered a three-year contract to its former captain before trade week, but rescinded it after a trade couldn't be agreed on with the Pies.

However Ball says despite that, and decreased opportunities in his final season at Moorabbin, he would look back on his career at St Kilda with fond memories.

"I've moved on from St Kilda with absolutely no bitterness or no resentment or anything like that at all," Ball said from the Lexus Centre on Friday morning.

"I had eight fantastic years at the club.

"I thank them very much; they gave me an opportunity … after eight years I basically just felt I needed a fresh start and a fresh opportunity.

"That's a pretty simple way to put it, isn't it? Maybe when the dust settles a bit I'll be able to explain it a bit better but I'm really grateful to Collingwood for giving me that opportunity."

Ball was dropped in 2009 but was eventually recalled for the Saints' finals campaign.

However some believe Lyon had lost faith in the former no.2 draft pick's ability to get through matches.

But Ball says he has no problem with the Saints coach.

"I've got absolutely nothing but respect and thanks for Ross and the work he put into me in his time there at the club," he said.

"I absolutely wish him and the club all the best for next year and the future. It's a tough game; it's a brutal game.

"I suppose you wish you never have to go through something like that, but as I said I've got nothing but best wishes for Ross and the St Kilda footy club."

His friendships with St Kilda teammates will also last the test of time, he said. He has dined with former teammates in the past week, all of whom understood his situation.

Ball, who watched the draft with fellow former Saint and now Brisbane Lion Matt Maguire, is due to fly out to Flagstaff, Arizona at midday on Friday where he will meet up with his new teammates at their high-altitude training camp.

He said he had already received text messages from some Magpies, including skipper Nick Maxwell.