While Leigh Montagna didn’t
The dual All-Australian played all but one of the first 17 games of 2017 before straining his hamstring against Sydney at the SCG in July, in what would ultimately be his last act on an AFL ground as a player.
But before that cruel blow, the 33-year-old had continued to make a significant impact off half-back, accumulating big numbers and using the ball with devastating impact.
Montagna, who was the second oldest player on St Kilda’s list this season behind Nick Riewoldt, started the season with a vintage performance against Brisbane in Round 3, before amassing 33 disposals down in Tasmania against Hawthorn a few weeks later.
After copping media scrutiny around the mid-season bye, Montagna silenced his critics against North Melbourne in Round 13, collecting 28 disposals to remind the football world of his class.
And just two weeks before injuring his hamstring in the harbour city, Montagna produced one of the best performances of his final year against the Tigers, finishing with 31 touches and two long-range goals in the Saints’ big win.
Performance of the year:
Round 3 v Brisbane at Etihad Stadium: 30 disposals, 753 metres gained, 10 score involvements, 10 contested possessions, nine marks and six rebound 50s
Alan Richardson's views:
“We all know what Joey has done on-field across his time at the club, but he has also made an outstanding contribution to our footy club from a leadership perspective,” Richardson said.
“He has been an enormous support for the coaches and for his teammates through his unique understanding of the game.
In the heat of a match, he is the type of player who can think clearly, put blokes into positions and support his teammates while there is a bit of chaos going on around him.
“We’ve been truly blessed to have someone like Joey at our club and we’ll need others to step up and fill the void he leaves behind.”
The numbers:
16 games
25.0 disposals
449.8 metres gained
3.3 rebound 50s
3.2 inside
