St Kilda are confident a looming decision on Nick Riewoldt's future won't overshadow their AFL finals tilt or fail to pay credit to his career.
The Saints are walking a delicate tightrope with their 332-game superstar, who is out of contract at year's end.
A report this week said Riewoldt had issued the Saints a timeline to know whether he would be playing into an 18th season or not.
But on Thursday night Riewoldt's manager refuted that, telling The Footy Show there was "no ultimatum" and the veteran would understand either way.
"Everyone knows where they sit, we have all been in constant dialogue and when the time is right, it will all be worked out," Tom Petroro said.
"If it's over, it's over."
Fellow veteran Leigh Montagna is also in the same situation as Riewoldt, with both men reportedly eager to play on.
Coach Alan Richardson confirmed talks were ongoing with the two players.
"Those conversations are happening all the time," he said.
"We've got quite a few players that are out of contract.
"There's still a quarter of the year to go and that's been the conversation all the way through - lets get a lot of footy under our belt and we'll make a decision from there.
Richardson said fitness and the side's form would be part of a "multi-factoral" decision.
"Nick and Joey and other guys have no guarantee of a contract next year. It's unfortunate. It's just the way footy is," he said.
"We've got to wait to see how they're feeling and what we think about them. There's still a bit of footy to play out."
Richardson is confident the club will avoid a situation where a decision comes as a hammer blow to either player.
"The key to that is communication and we're really confident with our list management group that we communicate often and at the right time to make sure people know where they fit."
While Riewoldt will play game No.333 at the SCG, another Saint will play game one.
Mature-aged recruit Rowan Marshall has been elevated off the rookie list and comes into the side as one of five changes.
Richardson said he expected the 21-year-old tall forward/ruck to "give us a real contest in the air".
Share
