Star St Kilda midfielder Leigh Montagna has deflected the attention away from his 250th game this weekend, explaining he is more excited by the start of a new campaign than his exceptional milestone.
Montagna will join exclusive company at Adelaide Oval on Sunday afternoon against Port Adelaide, by becoming only the 12th player in the Saints’ 143-year history to represent St Kilda on 250 occasions.
But despite the obvious attention reaching a mark like this brings, the dual All Australian says his focus is on facing the Power, rather than reminiscing on his decorated career at this time.
“Look it’s nice but I think it’s more exciting that Round 1 is here and 2016 is underway. I think that’s what I’m probably more excited about and getting into the season,” Montagna told reporters at a press conference on Tuesday morning.
“The focus is all about Round 1. It’s been a long pre-season and all we want to do is play. We get that opportunity this week. It’s very exciting going over to Adelaide. I’m just looking forward to getting into the game.
“You probably don’t really reflect while you’re still playing it’s probably something when you retire that you can look back on and be proud of.”
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On the back of a strong pre-season under new High Performance Manager Matt Hornsby, and an almost complete clean bill of health, Montagna is confident the Saints can travel to South Australia and take the first premiership points on offer against Ken Hinkley’s highly fancied side.
“Yes absolutely, you have to have that confidence. We’ve had a pretty good pre-season, we’ve got a full list to pick from, the boys are really up and about and feeling good within themselves,” Montagna said.
“We just need to make sure that we bring that effort and everything we’ve that worked on over the pre-season and give ourselves a chance.”
Having recently recommitted to St Kilda for another year, which ties him to the club until the completion of 2017, the 32-year-old veteran says if his mind and body remains sound there’s a chance next year won’t be his final season.
“As long as the coaches want me, my forms there and my body feels healthy. But really it’s the mind, as long as I’m staying motivated, stimulated,” Montagna said.
“Having that carrot of first of all playing finals and then potentially a Grand Final; if that’s still there and while that carrots still there, I’ll stay motivated and stimulated to play and try and do my best.
“We’ll get through this season first and then worry about next season and then worry about it after that.”
