Fraser Gehrig's body and mind are primed for a 14th season at AFL level, the robust forward assured St Kilda fans on Tuesday.

Gehrig, who was retired for 85 days before the Saints selected him with the 57th selection in Saturday's national draft, fronted a media conference at Moorabbin to 'get everything out of the way'.

He said his decision to retire had been a hasty one, fuelled by battling illness during a long season.

However, the two-time Coleman Medal winner was comfortable with his back-flip; apart from the farewell to supporters in Round 22 against Richmond at the MCG.

"I really enjoyed last year with a new coach and the playing group," Gehrig said.

"Form-wise and body-wise I finished the year really well, it wasn't one of those issues that it probably tends to be when you're over 30."

"For me, the issue was that I wanted to travel, I wanted to have an extended break overseas, which I probably thought would be a lot longer than what I did."

"I was a little bit sick during the year, towards the end of the year, when I told Ross I actually wasn't going to play again. Maybe I did that a little bit too harshly, based on how I was feeling at the time."

"It wasn't through motivation that I retired … things have changed and I am ready to go again."

Gehrig, who touched back down in Australia on Sunday, was training at his beloved club's familiar surrounds on Monday.

He is three weeks behind schedule, but his key forward role and desire should mean he's primed for the season opener.

"You're not retired until you start missing games of football, and I haven't started missing games of football. I have only missed three weeks of a pre-season."

"I haven't missed much at all and I have come back in pretty good shape."

Gehrig admitted he had 'always done things a bit different', which led many fans to think he'd rather be anywhere but the field of battle most weekends.

But that wasn't - nor is it now - the truth.

"I don't think that has necessarily come from team-mates or coaches, I think it's more public perception," Gehrig said.

"Anyone who knows me reasonably well would find that difficult to believe. I have certainly waivered at times with my passion towards the game, probably more so three or four years ago when 'Thommo' (former coach Grant Thomas) was here."

"I could've quite easily finished three or four years ago. My last three years in terms of passion and wanting to play the game has been very strong and will continue to be for next year."