The former Collingwood full-back said he left the Magpies feeling he needed a change and was very happy to be at the Saints.

Brown has had an injury-interrupted career, undergoing knee surgery in 2010 and shoulder surgery in 2014, but said he was now in good health.

In an video interview for his new club's website, Brown revealed coach Alan Richardson was in India when he spoke to him about a new home.

Brown said: "In the end, it wasn't a hard decision at all. It all happened fairly quick.

"Last week I had contact from 'Richo' – believe it or not, he was in India.

"I had a really good chat to him and I've worked with him before at Collingwood; he was my first development coach at Collingwood, so we've got a really good relationship.

"After a chat with him I had a really good feeling about it and in the end it was a pretty easy decision to join the Saints."

Brown passed a medical check and a rigorous fitness test before meeting with the Saints players.

"I don't know if it's getting a bit older or getting a bit slower, I've really been able to enjoy some consistent football over the past two or three years," he said.

Brown said he expected to continue to play as a key defender and was looking forward to working with the rest of St Kilda's backline.

Brown signed a two-year deal. The AFL did not award Collingwood any compensation for losing the restricted free agent, due to his age and the relatively short contract offered.