Jack Billings might have looked like he had been beaten up, but his black eye was only caused by a stray finger.

The emerging star, who inked a new two-year contract extension on Thursday morning, revealed he was poked in the eye in the opening minutes of last Sunday’s loss to Melbourne, with his left eye closing over and limiting his peripheral vision at the MCG.

Not that it had much of an impact on his game, besides his goal kicking, with the 21-year-old continuing his career best year by collecting 30 disposals, 13 score involvements, nine marks, six tackles and 1.3.

“It was inside the first three minutes of the game. I just got poked in the eye and it obviously got me in a bad spot,” Billings told journalists at a press conference on Thursday.

“It swelled up pretty quickly and I couldn’t really see out of the eye so it was pretty frustrating.

“I didn’t really have much peripheral vision. I had to get in line with the ball and do as best as I could.”

Committed Billings never in doubt

Billings expects Nick Riewoldt to return against North Melbourne at Etihad Stadium on Sunday after the retiring champion missed last weekend’s game due to a concussion.

“I’d expect him to play, he’s training today. I spoke to him this morning and his body is feeling pretty good,” Billings said.

“It’s his tribute game, our last home game this weekend against the Kangas.

“We’re hoping all the Saints supporters come down, which I know they will, and say farewell to an absolute legend of the club and the competition.”

While Sunday’s loss to the Demons removed St Kilda’s control of their own destiny, the Saints are still a mathematical chance of qualifying for the finals if they beat the Kangaroos and Richmond in the final fortnight.