JACK Billings looks the most likely young Saint to come into selection calculations this week following a typically polished performance for Sandringham on Saturday.

After a limited NAB Challenge campaign, the 19-year-old collected 32 disposals in the Zebras second VFL practice game at the weekend, drawing praise from St Kilda Development Coach Paul Hudson.

“Jack got his hands on it a lot,” Hudson said in his player review.

“He had a real influence on the contest and it was a pleasing return for a bloke who hadn’t played in a few weeks. He got back in defence and helped out well too.”

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Following St Kilda’s nine-point loss to the Giants, Alan Richardson conceded his team missed Billings’ foot skills and composure. 

“There is a real chance that Jack will play this week,” Richardson said.

“We need the class and he’s got that. He’s going to be a fantastic player for us and we will play him when he’s ready.”

But who Billings would replace, if selected, is another difficult question altogether. His close friend Jack Sinclair debuted and was the sub, performing strongly when given the chance and would be unlucky to miss out this week.

Two other players who are pushing for a senior call-up are Daniel McKenzie and Blake Acres.

McKenzie has laid 14 tackles in his last two games for Sandringham, while Acres enjoyed an excellent hit out in which he kicked two goals from the wing and collected 20 touches.“Blake was also pretty good and Dan was pretty positive,” Richardson said of the two teenagers.

Key defender Hugh Goddard also impressed for Sandringham, but with Sam Fisher, Luke Delaney and Sean Dempster all important and experienced members of the defensive unit, his inclusion will likely depend on injury.

Nevertheless, Hudson was glowing in his support of the left-footer.

“Hugh beat his first opponent and then we moved him onto another more dangerous forward and he beat him too,” Hudson said.

“He looked strong in the contest and worked hard and had good intensity. Hugh will be a good player for a long time.”

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Meanwhile, Tom Hickey booted three goals and “broke even in the ruck,” according to Hudson.

His selection is probably a matter of team balance with Billy Longer and Josh Bruce doing the bulk of the ruck duties in round one.

If Richardson elects to play two specialist ruckmen, then Hickey is next in line after being named as an emergency last week.

Another emergency, Tom Curren, may be a chance to play if Richardson wants another midfielder to combat the likes of Gary Ablett, Dion Prestia and David Swallow.

Whatever transpires behind closed doors on Thursday, this selection night promises to be an intriguing one with no new injuries and plenty of pressure for positions. 

Jack Billings has fully recovered from his hamstring strain.