ST KILDA veteran Leigh Montagna will begin weighing up whether to extend his career into a 17th season from the Saints' round 11 bye.

The 33-year-old had an injury-interrupted start to 2017, missing the opening round of the season because of a right calf strain that kept him out of the JLT Community Series.

Montagna, who continues to provide a steadying influence for the Saints, said talks about his playing future would begin next month.

"I've never been in the situation before where you start thinking about when to talk about the next season," Montagna told Channel Seven on Sunday.

"We've got two more games until the bye. I reckon we'll get to mid-season and start having some conversations and thoughts about it then.

"I'm just trying to worry about getting a kick up until then."

Montagna has played 278 games for St Kilda since debuting in 2002 and is averaging 26 disposals, five marks and four tackles in his seven appearances so far this season.