But Saints coach Alan Richardson was hopeful Montagna’s career was not over after the veteran suffered the soft-tissue injury in Saturday night’s loss to Sydney at the SCG.

With back-to-back interstate matches, St Kilda planned to sit Riewoldt out of Saturday’s trip to face Port Adelaide at Adelaide Oval to help him stay fresh for the final four games of the season.

Riewoldt has been carrying a sore knee and is battling a dip in form as calls for him to retire at the end of the season grow louder.

St Kilda sweat on Leigh Montagna hamstring injury
The Age, Anthony Colangelo
July 23

St Kilda veteran Leigh Montagna faces a race to be fit for the remainder of 2017, while teammate Nick Riewoldt could be rested for the crucial clash with Port Adelaide on Saturday. 

Montagna limped from the SCG in the third quarter of Saturday's loss to Sydney with a serious hamstring injury. The Saints said he would have scans on Monday. 

Alan Richardson confirmed later "there's a chance" Riewoldt would be rested for the club's second interstate trip in as many weeks. 

Richardson would not be drawn on an injury diagnosis or timeframe for Montagna's return, but said he hoped it would be this season. 

Hamstrung 'Joey' facing his last hop
afl.com.au Riley Stuart
July 22

St Kilda coach Alan Richardson is hopeful the AFL has not seen the last of Leigh Montagna, but concedes the veteran on-baller's future is uncertain after a hamstring injury. 

Montagna limped from the SCG during the third quarter of the Saints' 42-point loss to Sydney on Saturday night.

Richardson said it was a case of "wait and see" for the 33-year-old, who will have scans to determine the extent of the injury he picked up after being tackled.