Leigh Montagna’s permanent shift to a half-back flank has been instrumental in St Kilda’s improved ball movement in the first part of 2016, with the St Kilda stalwart transitioning into a crucial element in the Saints’ defence.
At 32, Montagna is showing no sign of slowing down, continuing his excellent form from last year - which saw him finish 4th in the Trevor Barker Award - across the opening seven rounds of this season.
The dual All Australian is averaging 29.1 possessions (ranked equal 12th in the AFL), at a polished efficiency rate of 78.4 per cent (better than all but one player who’s averaging more possessions), to go with 547.9 metres gained (ranked 4th), and is relishing the opportunity to be nestled in amid experience and youth in the back six.
“I’m enjoying playing down there, it’s certainly a different challenge,” Montagna told saints.com.au.
“I went back there to help the team get the ball out of defence a bit more and provide a bit of drive.
“I’m enjoying working with the group; they’ve been around for a while most of the defenders. It’s a different challenge, but I’m enjoying it.”
Montagna believes the implementation of more stringent zone presses in recent years has demanded better ball users in the back half of the ground to help transition the ball out of defence.
“Every team defensively is trying to be really aggressive and press up the ground and keep the ball in their forward half,” Montagna said.
“So you need to get the ball out of your defensive half and that’s something that we’re continually working on and that’s part of my role back there.
“It’s a constant challenge and a constant work in process and you need to be able to defend as well.
“It certainly is the modern game, the quicker you can get the ball out of defence it gives the opposition less time for the opposition to set up their defence.”
Along with Montagna, Alan Richardson has also utilised Shane Savage as an outlet option in defence this season, and with devastating effect.
Montagna says the penetrating rebounding defender has become more balanced this season and emerged as an aggressive weapon for the Saints, cutting opposition sides apart with his precise right foot.
“He’s become a really important player for our team with his drive and his rebound; he’s defending really well this year,” Montagna said.
“I’m just giving him a bit of help and a bit of support I think has made a little bit of a difference.
“He’s playing with confidence at the moment and I’m giving him the license to just continue to be aggressive and to play the way that he can. If he can continue to do that for the team then all good and well.”
