ST KILDA veteran Leigh Montagna is no closer to learning where his future lies, Saints coach Alan Richardson says. 

The 33-year-old, who remains uncontracted beyond this season, has been sidelined since injuring his right hamstring against Sydney in round 18. 

Richardson said Montagna's future was still no clearer.

"Given that 'Joey' [Montagna] is not playing, to some extent a mutual decision has been parked," Richardson told Fox Footy on Monday night. 

"Whilst there's constant conversations and a growing understanding of where it sits, we've really just parked it."

When asked if Montagna's fate would be determined before the Saints' clash with Richmond on Sunday, Richardson said: "Unlikely, unlikely … look, there's a chance." 

The St Kilda coach added there were several list management decisions the club had to take into account.

"What role does the player play? It sounds incredibly impersonal when you're talking about one of your legends that's done so much for your footy club," Richardson explained.

"There's been no rush. Clearly the media want a decision.

"Joey's really comfortable where it sits from a timing perspective; he certainly hasn't been in a rush, so we're not far away."

Montagna has played 287 games for the Saints since debuting in 2002 and featured in 16 matches this season before suffering the hamstring injury.