St Kilda midfielder Jack Billings has responded to his omission from the senior side in emphatic style, dominating for Sandringham in the VFL on Sunday.
With Saints coach Alan Richardson watching on, Billings, who was dropped from St Kilda’s round 12
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With 75 games under his belt for the Saints, the former No.3 draft pick got off to a flying start, racking up 14 disposals and slotting a goal in the first quarter.
And he didn’t slow, Billings finishing with a staggering 53 possessions and three goals in a performance that is sure to do his confidence the world of good.
Billings’ numbers across the board have been down in 2018.
In 22 matches last season, when the Saints had 11 wins and 11 losses, Billings averaged 23.09 touches per game (7.5 contested), 1.05 goals, 3.14 tackles and 1.45 clearances.
From 11 games this season, in which St Kilda has one win and a draw to its credit, the 22-year-old has averaged 19.36 touches (5.64 contested), 0.55 goals, 2.36 tackles and 0.27 clearances.
Jack Billings had 53 disposals and kicked three goals in the VFL on Sunday
Speaking to reporters on Friday, Richardson said of Billings: "We think this will be a moment that Jack looks back on in his career and probably would rather it didn't happen, but it's been potentially a circuit-breaker to just get him back into form.
"I think it's as simple as that. He just wasn't quite able to execute his role (against the Eagles) ... there's no one working harder at their role on the training track.
"He's going to be a very good player for us for a very long time but, across the competition, there are good players going in and out all the time depending on their form.
"We expect JB to go back and get his form back pretty quick."
Mission accomplished.
