Out-of-contract emerging star Jack Billings has commenced contract discussions with St Kilda and is eager to commit his future to the club.
The 21-year-old playmaker was recruited by the Saints with pick No. 3 in the 2013 National Draft, ahead of teammates Nathan Freeman (No. 10), Luke Dunstan (No. 18) and Blake Acres (No. 19), and has since played 54 games in red, white and black.
“I have (started contract talks). I’m not involved with them, but my manager Paul [Connors] is looking after it,” Billings said at a press conference on Tuesday.
“I absolutely (want to stay). Hopefully we’ll get something done pretty soon.
“I love the club and it’s obviously an exciting time; we’re heading back to Moorabbin hopefully at the end of this year; it’s just a great environment.
“I’ve got really close friendships here now; it’s a great place to be.”
Billings continued his rich vein of form in Friday night’s 17-point win over North Melbourne, collecting 18 disposals, eight tackles and 2.4.
Although he could have had an even more influential night had it not been for the video review system. Billings had two goals reversed, much to his displeasure.
“It was pretty strange. I thought the second one wasn’t touched but it obviously was. Sometimes those things just sort of happen. I was just happy we got the win,” he said.
Billings said injury-plagued midfielder Freeman is starting to find his feet at VFL level after a horrendous run of luck with his hamstrings across his first four years in the AFL system.
“Freezer is going well. It’s probably the best he has been going for a few years now, he’s been able to string a fair few games together which is positive,” he said.
“I know the last couple of weeks he’s really starting to get his hands on the footy and play the way I know he can.
“I played with him at Vic Metro and he’s an explosive and pretty dominant player. He’s obviously had a bad run of luck so fingers crossed for him.”
