Opportunity starved ruckman Billy Longer has earned the chance to ruck solely against Carlton at Ikon Park on Saturday afternoon, says St Kilda Assistant Coach Aaron Hamill.
St Kilda made sweeping changes ahead of their second JLT Community Series game, providing a wave of youth and fresh faces the chance to put their hands up ahead of the home and away season.
After playing 18 senior games in 2015, Longer didn’t feature once in Alan Richardson’s side last season as Tom Hickey established himself as the No. 1 ruckman and one of the best emerging ruckmen in the game.
But after a strong pre-season at Linen House Centre, Hamill said the former pick No. 8 has mounted a case to be the No. 1 ruckman at the club on the eve of the 2017 season.
“Billy’s been in very good form, clearly he has committed himself to pre-season and certainly his form at the moment warrants selection,” Hamill said at a press conference on Friday.
“Tom will get a chance to press his case, just at a different venue on the same day.
Friday Microscope: JLT 2 v Carlton
“Billy has shown that his aggression and presence around the ground is at the level that we need and it’s what we want from our ruckman.
“Billy has certainly improved, Tom has certainly improved too, but we just think at the moment we will give Billy another opportunity and Tom will get his chance to press his case potentially next week (against Sydney).”
A week after midfield boss Adam Kingsley coached against his old side Power – who he played an integral role for in the 2004 premiership – Hamill will get the opportunity to lead the Saints this weekend, ironically against his old side too, where he is a beloved figure.
“It was quite interesting; Adam Kingsley did Port Adelaide (last Thursday night) who he won a flag with and I’m doing Carlton so it’s quite ironic,” Hamill said.
“I’ve got some very fond memories back there; they are a proud club and they’ll look to respond well but I’m very grateful to Alan and the footy club for giving me the opportunity.”
