The Mitta United and North Albury product managed 13 games in his second season at St Kilda, adding to the three matches in 2018.

Paton found his calling down back with the Saints, averaging almost 15 possessions, four marks and three tackles per game.

Home to spend the festive season with friends and family, the 21-year-old former Murray Bushranger is hoping to build on this year's form.

"It was good to play a few more games this year," Paton said.

"I got in through a bit of bad luck with other injuries, but I was lucky enough to stay in for a few more matches.

"I've played mainly down back at AFL level, which is where I like to play my best footy."

Paton was thrown a curve ball midway through his second season as Alan Richardson resigned as coach, with former Carlton mentor Brett Ratten taking over.

"It was a bit different how it happened towards the end of the year, but 'Ratts' has been really good" Paton said.

"He's really big on building relationships with each other and he's been really good so far.

"He's really optimistic and positive and gives us a bit of freedom as well which is good."

It's been a steep learning curve for Paton, but he's motivated to keep improving to ensure he cements his spot in the St Kilda lineup.

"There's been a lot of team defence and playing structures," he said.

"You probably don't do that as much in junior footy, so I've obviously had to adjust to that and the game plan," he said.

"All the development coaches are pretty good with us and help us in that regard, but it's probably the hardest thing to adjust to at the moment.

"I want to play round one and try to stay in the whole year and keep improving as well.

"I want to play as many games as I can."

Paton lives with classy wingman and forward Jack Billings, who has supported him in the early stages of his career.

"When I first moved down he helped me a lot picking up on little things like how to attack training and games," Paton said.

"He's been really good to me in the last two years and I'd say he's been the biggest influence on me."

Paton was also able to settle into the club a lot easier knowing a junior teammate in Doulton Langlands was drafted to St Kilda at the same time.

"It was good to get drafted with Doulton because you know someone going in straight away," Paton said.

"Off the field as well, we've been able to hang out.

"It's always good to playing with your good mates, so it's good to have each other down there and support each other."

Paton said the Saints' off-season arrivals had provided a spark around the club.

"Brad Hill, Zak Jones and Dougal Howard are all pretty young as well, so it's pretty exciting," Paton said.

"They've all been really good.

"They've been in the AFL environment for a few years.

"Brad Hill is a three-time premiership player, so he knows what it takes and he's been really helpful down at training and around the club."

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The Saints haven't played finals since 2011 after grand final appearances in 2009 and 2010 under Ross Lyon, but Paton has plenty of belief the club is heading in the right direction.

"Obviously we want to play finals. We haven't been there for a while and a few boys haven't played in a final," he said.

"That's the main goal, but we just want to keep improving and hopefully everyone develops well.

"We've got a lot of players in the 20-25 age bracket and it's up to the younger group of boys to improve and set ourselves up to hopefully build on last year and head forward in the future.

"We've had a pretty solid eight weeks on the track and we get a couple of weeks off over Christmas now.

"It's good to get home and see the family over Christmas and see a few mates, refresh a bit and then get straight back into it."

St Kilda faces North Melbourne in round one of the AFL season at Marvel Stadium.