It took some time to finally call time, but veteran St Kilda star Leigh Montagna believes the time is right to hang up his boots and move into the next phase of his life.
After being scooped up with pick No. 37 in the 2001 ‘super’ draft, Montagna played 287 games across 16 seasons in red, white and black, including three Grand Finals in 2009 and 2010, in years where he was named on a wing in the All-Australian team.
“It’s hard to believe (it’s over). I’ve seen nearly all of my teammates come and go and now it’s my turn so it’s a bit of a surreal feeling, but I’m content with it; it’s the right time,” Montagna told saints.com.au on Wednesday afternoon.
“It was such a hard thing to pull the trigger on. I’ve probably known for a couple of weeks it was the right call, but to actually say I’m finishing up playing football at St Kilda was a hard decision.
“I’ve probably dragged it out a bit longer than I should have, but I just wanted to make sure it was the right call.
“I’ve done that now and I’m very content and very happy with it all and can look forward to the next phase of my life because there are some exciting times ahead there.”
While many retiring greats were treated to a heroes exit from the game last weekend, including Montagna’s great mate Nick Riewoldt, a serious hamstring injury against Sydney in Round 18 would ultimately be his final act as a player.
Since that cruel blow at the SCG last month, the 33-year-old has been weighing up his future, before gradually coming to the
“That’s why it’s been a bit hard and taken so long, I’ve gone through a lot of emotions.
“Then seeing all the current day champions who have retired and trying to relate that back to my own career and where I’m at.
“Then finally weighing up all my options at the football club and post-football and just making sure when I made the call I was really content and happy and not going to regret anything.
“I’ve done that now and I feel good about it and I can look forward to the next phase of my life.”
A self-confessed football tragic, Montagna is adamant he won’t be lost to a game he loves so deeply.
Whether he pursues a burgeoning media career that has already seen him call games on radio for Triple M or if he delves into coaching, the man affectionately known as ‘Joey’ won’t be going too far.
“I certainly won’t be lost to football. As I said to the playing group today, the hardest part for me is I just love footy, I love everything about it,” he said.
“I’ve gone on the record as saying I’m a bit of a footy 'nuffie', I watch a lot of games and really enjoy everything about it. I won’t be lost to footy, I’ll be around.
“If I can’t play, the next best thing is to talk about it and be involved in other ways, so I’m looking forward to that next chapter.”
