Finals the expectation says new Saint

New St Kilda recruit Nathan Brown says the club's expectation is to make finals in 2017.

The Saints narrowly missed the eight on percentage last season and Brown says the club intends to play finals and is ready for the tough challenge.

"Definitely. We missed out on finals on percentage last year and we lost a couple of close games that we could have easily won," Brown said on Wednesday.

"We want to play finals this year, as every single team does. It's going to be hard and we're going to be up for it."

Brown, who joined the Saints as a restricted free agent last year said he is grateful for the opportunity after being unwanted by the Pies and is ready to repay the faith this season.

"I'm not stupid, I've played the game for 11 years and you see it a lot. You can't take it to heart, you've just got to adapt to it and see what the best situation is," he said.

"Luckily enough, St Kilda approached me. It's been a really good fit and I'm really excited to see what happens."

"It's that period where you're in the peak of your AFL career but it could slide off very quickly. Coming across has given me a new challenge and desire for the game."

The Saints' first game of the JLT Community Series is against Port Adelaide on Thursday, February 23 at Etihad Stadium.