Before signing his two-year deal with the Saints, Montagna was classified as an unrestricted free agent but says he had no intentions of ever leaving the club.
“We didn’t get to that point where it got that formal with other clubs but I’m sure anyone that stays on at their club, when you become a free agent now will probably stay for less money,” Montagna said on Thursday morning.
“That’s just going to be the reality of free agency going forward.”
“My philosophy right from the start was: If I got an offer from St Kilda which we thought was fair I was always going to stay.”
“I made that intention early in the year when we first started negotiations that once we reached an agreement that both parties were happy with I was always going to stay so that was the case.”
Montagna indicated his excitement of the younger generation coming through the ranks, and how he wanted to be sure he was a part of it.
“The young players we’ve played this year are certainly going to add to the club going forward and I still want to be a part of that and certainly I feel like I’m a St Kilda person through and through.”
“(I) couldn’t bring myself to leave and I wouldn’t want to. I’m happy to finish out my career as a one club player.”
Montagna was among five Saints to extend their contracts this week, including Lenny Hayes, Stephen Milne, Sam Gilbert and Arryn Siposs.
Senior Coach Scott Watters commended the players for their re-commitment to the club.
“One thing I’ll say about all these guys is they’re not playing here for the money. They play here because they love the club.”
“The negotiations were pretty quick to be honest because they want to be here and we want them here. They’re really valued people (and) valued Saints people.”
Watters also stated he was optimistic restricted free agent Brendon Goddard would continue playing on with the Saints.
“I’m confident and really optimistic. He’s a really committed Saints person. It’s a challenging time for Brendon,” Watters said.
“It’s a different situation that AFL players haven’t been used to or exposed to. It’s an unenviable position in many ways but I believe he will be at this football club.”
Despite the discomfort the situation may cause, the first year coach stated he supported Goddard’s decision to test the waters.
“We think we’ve put a really strong offer to Brendon. His importance to the club going forward; he’s integral to it.”
“But under the new system he has an opportunity to test the market so it’s irrelevant whether I like it or not that’s the situation and I support the whole concept. But it can be awkward sitting there as a coach whilst you’re within that concept as well.”
