Ball has said previously he was affected by emotion in the first of the two 2010 deciders but managed to release his anxiety for the replay and was one of the Magpies' best.
Still, his celebrations after the Pies' 56-point win were somewhat subdued compared to his teammates, as the reality remained his new side had just beaten his former - and many mates - and ensured they lost a second straight grand final.
Since the Saints lost to the Sydney Swans by 25 points in the first week of finals and dropped out of contention, Ball has been able to relax even more.
The 27-year-old agreed he experienced a faint sense of relief when it was confirmed he wouldn't face the same almost bittersweet feeling he felt in the first week of October last year.
"Due to the timing of it, it was just ironic the way it panned out [last year]," he told afl.com.au this week.
"It was always going to be a matter of time. When you move clubs, it's the same as anyone.
"This year, as time's gone on I've felt more and more at home and I'm really loving footy at the Collingwood footy club, and I'm really excited and privileged to be in the position where we get another shot at it."
Ball is coming to the end of his second season as a Magpie after crossing to the club via the 2009 NAB AFL Draft following the end of his eight-year career as a Saint.
He said he felt more relaxed in black and white than he did this time last year, but admitted there was no let up from the intensity of playing finals.
"I don't know about pressure because there's always pressure when you play in preliminary final because you're down to the last four and there's so much at stake," he said.
"I think certainly as time goes on, you do feel more comfortable at a club and I suppose this time last year my old side was still around so there was that added element to it as well.
"I wouldn't say the pressure is off; I'm really excited about the game but there's a lot at stake."
After a career littered with groin soreness that affected his speed and kicking ability, Ball's body has finally started to return to the way it once was.
He credits Collingwood with the change, and also the fact that as he's gotten older, he's become more accustomed to what does and doesn't work when it comes to training.
"I've had a really good pre-season and that gets you off to a good start, and you always need a little bit of luck," he said.
"I finished last year in reasonable shape and if you're able to do that, you can build up into the pre-season, and I had a really good couple of weeks over in Arizona where I was able to tick off every session and that sets you up well.
"I've only missed the one game this year and that's a positive, and certainly after the weekend off I'm feeling very fresh today."
Collingwood will play Hawthorn on Friday night in a preliminary final and will attempt to make it through to next week's decider for a crack at consecutive flags for the first time since 1935-36.
Ball said the Pies were ready and had only been made stronger by the fact they enjoyed last weekend off while the Hawks were physically tested by the Swans.
"A bit has been spoken about our injuries and our suspensions but I think with the weekend off, hopefully we've timed our run well."
Jennifer Witham covers Collingwood news for the AFL Website. Follow her on Twitter @AFL_JenWitham.
