ST KILDA has placed Jack Billings on its long-term injury list, opening the door for one of Jason Holmes, Brenton Payne or Ahmed Saad to be elevated on to the senior list.

Billings will not play again in 2015 due to a stress fracture in his left shin, however the 19-year-old will be fit to commence pre-season training alongside his teammates later this year.

Speaking on Thursday, Alan Richardson said Holmes’ pure ruck work was already up to the standard of AFL football.

“He has really done well in centre bounce and his ruck craft,” Richardson said.

“He is really quite advanced there and we would really be confident that he could come in and play a role in the ruck.  His marking is certainly getting there and it has progressed really steadily as well as his ability to read the play.”

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On Thursday morning it was announced that Holmes had signed a one-year contract extension which will keep him at the club until at least the end of the 2016 season.

Richardson suggested ‘with a bit of luck’ the American ruckman could force his way into the team this season.

“His progression has been fantastic,” he said.

“With the injury to Billings and him now being on the long term injury list both Jason and Ahmed Saad and Brenton Payne are chances to be elevated so we will just wait and see.

“But there is a chance that that could happen so it is very exciting for us and exciting for Holmsey.”

Saad has played four senior games this season, while Payne is yet to debut.

Billings joins Tom Curren on the long-term injury list.