New Collingwood midfielder Luke Ball admits it is a "huge relief" to have finally switched AFL clubs.

Ball left St Kilda soon after their grand final loss to Geelong and requested a trade to the Magpies, but the two clubs could not reach a deal.

He then took his chances in Thursday night's national draft and Collingwood took the former Saints captain with their first pick at No.30.

Ball was the biggest story of the draft and there was widespread speculation that a team would take him before the Magpies, but he eventually went to his chosen team.

"It's a huge relief to have it over and done with," Ball said at a Friday morning media conference at Collingwood's Lexus Centre.

"I've moved on with St Kilda with no bitterness or resentment - I thank them very much, they gave me an opportunity.

"After eight years, I basically need a fresh start, a fresh opportunity."

Ball watched the draft on television with former Saints team-mate Matt Maguire, who is now a Brisbane player.

Ball said once the draft started, he had the same nerves when St Kilda picked him up in the 2001 draft with the second pick.

He will fly out of Melbourne on Friday to join his new team-mates at their high-altitude training camp in Arizona.

Ball, 25, played 142 games for the Saints from 2003.

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