Jack Macrae says an honest conversation with his new coach during a home visit paved the way for his big trade move.

The former Western Bulldogs onballer cemented his move to Moorabbin in the final hour of the trade period, and he says he isn’t donning Saints colours just to earn a few more bucks.

“It’s really exciting, I feel a bit like a new draftee — getting text messages after it (the trade) went through,” Macrae told Seven on Thursday.

Following three consecutive All-Australian blazers between 2019-21, the 30-year-old had been relegated to the substitute role in three of his last four games as a Western Bulldogs player in 2024.

The former Oakleigh Chargers junior was traded from the Kennel with three years left on his contract, with the 12-year veteran keen to return to his ball-winning ways between the arcs.

“In footy world, life changes pretty quick,” Macrae said.

“Two or three years ago, I would have envisioned that I’d be a one-club player, but it hasn’t worked out like that.”

Macrae has averaged 27.8 disposals per game for his career, but this year he posted a second-worst 18.4 per game in 19 games of limited midfield time.

A candid chat with St Kilda senior coach Ross Lyon ensured both parties were on the same page about the mooted move.

“I told Ross pretty early on that I wouldn’t make this move if I didn’t believe that I wasn’t coming to just pad the super,” said Macrae.

“I really felt like I could get back to my best football.”

The 249-gamer adds much-needed premiership experience and depth to an engine room headlined by captain Jack Steele and rising star Darcy Wilson.

While Macrae arrived in the movement period, the Saints backed out of trade negotiations for Port Adelaide ruckman Ivan Soldo due to medical concerns regarding his knee.

Meantime, intercepting defender Josh Battle departed for Hawthorn — with St Kilda landing prized Pick 8 as free agency compensation — as did veteran ruckman Tom Campbell for Melbourne.

And while Macrae is officially out the Kennel doors, the 2016 flag-winner’s relationship with Dogs coach Luke Beveridge remains solid.

“After the trade went through, he sent me a really lovely message,” Macrae said.

“He’s (my) premiership coach. I’ll see him at the reunion.”

Bailey Smith (to Geelong) and Caleb Daniel (North Melbourne) also called it quits at the Bulldogs this off-season.