Montagna, who will play his 200th game this Sunday against North Melbourne, conceded the 2-7 Saints were in transition this season and that a premiership was "probably further away than it was a few years ago".
However, the 29-year-old said he hoped to play on for up to another four seasons and he was still motivated by the chance of success.
"I've been in footy long enough to know that things can turn around pretty quickly," Montagna said on Tuesday.
"It might take a while, but it might not.
"I've just got to make sure I do all I can to still be involved at the footy club, and I've got a lot of faith in Scott Watters and the direction the club is going.
"If I can hang around and continue to play good footy and be a part of the next generation of successful Saints, that's what I want to be a part of."
Montagna was among the Saints' best performers in 2009 and 2010 when the club played in three Grand Finals, including the 2010 replay.
Both years he was named All Australian and finished top three in the club best and fairest, coming runner-up to Lenny Hayes in 2010.
The classy midfielder, who has maintained his high standards and has since become a more versatile player, said playing 200 games was "very special".
"It's something I'm very excited about," he said.
"We've got a 200-club board there with photos and some past champions, and to be able to join that is something I'm very proud of.
"I'm really enjoying my footy at the moment and still enjoying playing.
"Hopefully I can play for a few more years yet."
Montagna said midfielders Jack Newnes and Seb Ross were two young players he was excited about playing alongside, while half-back Nathan Wright has impressed him with his toughness.
Wright is expected to be available for Sunday's clash against the Kangaroos after missing two matches with a broken jaw.
Hayes, meanwhile, will need to prove his fitness at training later this week after suffering a minor calf injury against the Western Bulldogs last weekend.
"He's probably the first picked to take to war with you," Montagna said of Hayes.
"I'd love to have him out there for my 200th, but we'll have to wait and see."
Nathan Schmook is a reporter for AFL Media. Follow him on Twitter: @AFL_Nathan
