WHEN Adam Schneider joined St Kilda in last year's trade period, he had the inkling that his new club was going places.

A premiership player with the Sydney Swans, Schneider had experienced first-hand the requirements to produce a season that would earn a finals berth, and then make the most of every opportunity when there.

The 24-year-old's 98 games with the Swans included 12 finals and, this year, he has added another 18 while playing an important role in St Kilda's two September clashes.

It will be three when the Saints meet Hawthorn at the MCG on Saturday night, looking to book a place in their first grand final since 1997.

"It's something I didn’t expect to be involved in (a prelim) when I came down here straight away but I knew the list down here had some talent as well," Schneider said.

"I knew the team was bound for success because they’ve got such a great list. I’m just fortunate enough to be part of it."

When he first arrived at Moorabbin with another former Swan Sean Dempster, who is recovering from a knee reconstruction, and Steven King, a member of Geelong's 2007 premiership side, the forward was inundated for advice.

 But what impressed him most was the determination of the group.

"I had guys like Nick Riewoldt and Lenny Hayes coming to ask me what it was like and all that stuff so that was very interesting," he said.

"Realising how hungry the guys are for team success is something that really stood out to me."

And though he maintains regular contact with his ex-teammates, who lost to the Western Bulldogs in last weekend's semi-final, Schneider kept his distance this week.

"There were a few calls on Monday but I usually just let them go through [this time]," he laughed.

"But I still keep in touch with those guys. They’ve had a pretty good year as well and are just winding down now."