ST KILDA has re-signed midfielders Lenny Hayes and Leigh Montagna.

Hayes, who won the club best and fairest in 2003, has signed to the end of 2011 while Montagna has committed to the club until the end of 2010.

St Kilda CEO Archie Fraser said the re-signings were a major boost for the Saints.

“This is a fantastic outcome for the St Kilda Football Club to retain two players of their calibre. This sends a loud and clear positive message to our members and supporters,” Fraser said.

“The players’ commitment to the Club is indicative in the way they have conducted themselves through this process and the outcome we have achieved,” Fraser said.

Montagna, who enjoyed a career-best season in 2007 said he was thrilled to sign a new contract.

“I am excited to stay at St Kilda and this is a great result for the club and all our fans. I’m proud to be part of the Saints and am pleased to be playing football with the club”.

Hayes will have played 13 years of league football by the end of the contract and was clear about what he was hoping to achieve before it was over.

“I’m very happy to be committed to St Kilda for the next three years and am looking forward to working with the playing group and coaches to achieve our goal of a premiership at the Saints”.

Lenny Hayes

Drafted: 1998 National AFL Draft no. 11 selection.
Player honours: best and fairest 2003; 2nd best and fairest 2002; 3rd best and fairest 2004, 2005; All-Australian 2003, 2005; International Rules Series 2003; Morrish Medal 1998; AFL Rising Star nominee 1999; pre-season premiership side 2004 & 2008; captain 2004, co-captain 2007 and vice captain 2008.

Leigh Montagna

Drafted: 2001 National AFL Draft no. 37 overall.
NAB AFL Rising Star nominee 2003; Top 10 finish in the 2007 best and fairest. Pre-season premiership side 2004 & 2008.