After a few setbacks early in his career, a full pre-season on the track over summer has helped let Jack Billings off the leash this season.
The 21-year-old has played predominantly across half-forward this season, along with short bursts higher up the ground, where he is averaging career-high numbers for disposals (22.0), marks (5.0), inside 50s (4.3), tackles (3.3), as well as impacting the scoreboard with a somewhat wayward 13.17.
With the benefit of hindsight, Billings admits he now appreciates the importance of getting a comprehensive pre-season under his belt, given it has helped him touch more of the ball in 2017.
“I’m enjoying my footy this year. I was able to have a full summer and my body is feeling really good,” Billings told reporters at a press conference at Trevor Barker Beach Oval on Tuesday.
“I had a few setbacks (early in career) which doesn’t help in terms of continuity with your footy. You realise that once you do get a full pre-season. It’s probably been the main reason why I’ve been able to play some good footy this year.
“Playing predominantly forward at the moment and then playing five or ten minutes through the midfield each quarter (has helped with form) as well. So it’s been good to be around the ball and get my hands on the footy, so hopefully I can keep pushing.”
After three consecutive losses, albeit against high-quality opposition in the form of last year’s grand finalists, Sydney and the Western Bulldogs, plus Adelaide in Adelaide, St Kilda put their season back on track against North Melbourne last Friday night.
Billings said the Saints returned to their brand of daring and aggressive ball movement at Etihad Stadium, and while the three losses were disappointing, they provided an opportunity to reassess where St Kilda is at.
“We changed a few things; we just wanted to be more bold with the footy. We felt we got a bit boring with the way we were playing, so we just tried to get back to a bit of flair that worked for us earlier in the season," he said.
“The three weeks we had losses we were playing some good teams, so you’ve always got to keep that in mind. It was probably a good (opportunity) to reassess where we’re at against those good teams.”
