LEIGH Montagna isn’t just a terrific ball user, prolific ball winner and clever goal-kicker – he’s also a teacher, mentor and leader for many young Saints.
In the same mould as many of his long-time teammates, Montagna has taken players under his wing in recent years. His willingness to impart a decade of AFL knowledge on talented but often raw youngsters accelerates there development, as has been the case with Jack Steven over the last 18 months.
In 2013 Steven has averaged 25.9 disposals per game, well up on his 2012 average of 20.2.
VIDEO RECAP: Dal Santo applauds Steven
“I’ll take a bit of credit,” Montagna told SAINTS.com.au after St Kilda’s 46-point victory over Gold Coast. “I’ve worked quite a bit with Jack Steven over the last couple of years and sort of taken him under the wing and tried to mentor him a bit. But he’s blossomed this year and he’s been sensational.”
However Steven isn’t the only one who has prospered this season. Montagna himself has demonstrated form similar to that of his All-Australian year in 2010. With one match left, the 29-year-old is averaging exactly the same amount of disposals per game as he did three seasons ago.
RECAP: Weekend performers
In Montagna’s last six games, he’s collected 30 or more disposals on all but one occasion.
“I’m just trying to lead by example,” he said. “There are a lot of young kids in the side so guys like Lenny, Roo, Dal and myself - we just need to continue to lead by example.”
“It’s always been about improving and step by step and we’ve put in some good efforts against Fremantle, Hawthorn and Sydney. To get the win today as a reward was really good.”
Aside from dominating in the midfield against the Suns, Montagna pushed forward and booted three goals including one magical finish from an acute angle.
“It was one of those flukes that go through and I’ll take it.”
VIDEO: Montagna's magical goal
VIDEO: Yet another Joey special
Montagna is averaging 28.7 disposals per game this season and is ranked fifth for total possessions in the AFL.
You can follow Tom Morris on Twitter: @tommorris32
