Ratten handed the former Mitta United junior the task of shutting down some of the best small forwards in the AFL and he didn't disappoint against the likes of Toby Greene, Tom Papley, Charlie Cameron, Liam Ryan, Eddie Betts and Gryan Miers.

Paton was rated by some as the second-best defensive stopper in the competition behind West Coast's Brad Sheppard.

"'Ratts' put a lot of belief in us young boys and gave us the opportunity to play and play well," Paton said.

"I think that and being in the system for another year helped me.

"He's (Ratten) a good fella and a real peoples' person.

"He's big on building relationships within the team and is very good tactically."

Paton signed a two-year contract extension with St Kilda this week after playing every match in 2020.

It is believed Essendon had sounded out the 21-year-old.

"I'm stoked to sign on for another couple," he said.

"They are good fellas and I think exciting times are ahead with the group we have."

While the former Murray Bushranger admitted having some nervous moments in the last line of defence, he praised St Kilda's defence for helping him out under pressure.

He held Papley and Ryan to just one goal in over 140 minutes against the pair this season.

"I just tried to back myself in those contests," he said

"It was good to be able to play on some good players.

"A few of them play some different tricks on you but it was good to be given a role on those boys.

"I still have a lot to improve on as well.

"We have a good group in the backline who help each other out."

Paton and his teammates were away from Melbourne for 99 days in order to play in the AFL's Queensland bubble.

He has played 35 matches.