After not playing a game last season, St Kilda ruckman Billy Longer reignited his career in 2017, wrestling control of the No. 1 ruck mantle at Linen House Centre.
The former top ten pick was rewarded for his strong summer on the track with an opportunity in Round 5 and never looked back, only missing one game due to injury in Round 17.
With
He entrenched himself inside St Kilda’s engine room when he outplayed Shane Mumford in the Saints' impressive win over Greater Western Sydney in Round 7 and further highlighted his class when he beat last year’s All-Australian ruckman Max Gawn in Round 21.
The former Brisbane Lions ruckman amassed 40 or more
Performance of the year:
Round 10 v Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium: 55
Alan Richardson's views:
"After a wretched run of bad luck with his body, Billy was finally able to put a full pre-season together and reap the rewards this year,” Richardson said.
“He started day one of the pre-season as fit as he has been on the back of working really hard away from the club.
“So in many ways, he got what he deserved.
“We haven’t been that strong in
“While Billy still has plenty of growth left in his game, he produced a really positive season for us and one that should fuel his confidence going forward.
“Billy’s
“We need him to work on being more involved in the game on the outside through his marking, but we think it will ultimately become a real strength of his.”
The numbers:
Games: 17
Hitouts: 38.6
Hitouts to advantage: 10.9
Disposals: 9.4
Clearances: 2.6
