Time - and an AFL premiership - have healed whatever wounds that Luke Ball felt from the ugly split with St Kilda.

The Collingwood midfielder has offered no argument to the revelation that a big reason he eventually left the Saints after the 2009 season was because of their concerns about his perceived lack of pace.

His departure from the Saints was ugly, but the move to Collingwood rejuvenated his career.

The 26-year-old played 24 games last season, including the premiership win against his old club, and now has joined Collingwood's leadership group.

The St Kilda background to Ball's high-profile club switch is detailed in a new book by Saints fitness coach Dave Missen.

"It was probably fair enough, what was written, and that's that," Ball said.

"I'd hope they're not spending too much thinking about it - I'm pretty sure they're not - and I know I'm certainly not ... let's move on."

Ball also had sympathy for the Saints, who are reeling from a horror summer of off-field controversies.

"I feel for them a little bit, they've been a bit unlucky at times, he said of his old club.

"I hope they sort out everything down there and I think the best thing for them will be next week, when the (NAB Cup) games start and they get on with it."

Ball is also looking forward to the start of the NAB Cup as he tries to end the perception that he is injury-prone and not a strong performer in the pre-season.

He took part in Friday's intra-club hitout and looked in solid shape.

"I'm certainly lucky to have come to this club, it was amazing how it turned out last year and I feel very fortunate to be part of such a strong club," Ball said.

"The last couple of years, I've slowly improved, but it's nice to be able to train every session and not miss a beat at this time of year.

"Hopefully, I can try to eradicate that perception that I'm never out here in February."

One player who impressed in Friday's scratch match was recruit Andrew Krakouer, who dominated in WA football last year after 16 months in jail.

Krakouer kicked three goals and also looks ready to spend more time through the midfield, after 102 games as a small forward at Richmond.

"He's been terrific all pre-season, you forget sometimes he's played 100 AFL games, he's 27-28 and he knows what it's all about," Ball said.

"It's fantastic to see him get a second chance."

Ball said the strong message from coach Mick Malthouse since the start of the pre-season was that there is no room for complacency.

Collingwood appear to have no serious injury problems going into the NAB Cup.

"It was first message that Mick drummed into us on the first day back, that no-one is safe, from Swanny (Dane Swan) right down to the last rookie pick," Ball said

New player Jye Bolton has clearly impressed Ball, to the point of the rookie pick receiving some high praise.

"He reminds me of a young Ben Cousins - it's a big sort of wrap, but the way he runs and the way he plays a little bit, he's been pretty impressive," Ball said.

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