A contracted Saint's agent has claimed there aren't enough clubs pursuing his services ahead of this year's trade period.
Paul Connors, one of the game's prominent player agents, appeared on the latest episode of Gettable and discussed the circumstances surrounding one of his clients; St Kilda utility Jack Billings.
After appearing in just eight games last season, Billings has played a meagre three senior games through St Kilda's 2023 campaign as it prepares to embark on a promising finals campaign without the former No. 3 pick.
While he hasn't been a part of the Saints' senior success under Ross Lyon this year, Billings hasn't played an enormous part in Sandringham's season, either, managing just eight games for the Zebras this year as he continued to battle injury.
Billings was prevalent when active for Sandy, though, averaging just over 22 possessions per game in the VFL to go along with more than a goal a game, putting in decent shifts.
The 28-year-old is contracted at Moorabbin until the end of the 2025 season when he is slated to enter unrestricted free agency. However, due to the lack of AFL opportunities afforded to him this season, the left-footer could explore his trade options this year.
Speaking onย Gettable with Riley Beveridge and Cal Twomey, Billings' manager Paul Connors addressed Billings' situation, noting "he's ready to go" and clubs are "not doing their job" if they aren't viewing him as a trade target this year.
"I think people forget that he's been injured for a while, but he's ready to go," stated Connors.
"I think the Saints would think he needs another pre-season. My view is, he's ready to go. I think we forget how good some talent is and I think Jack Billings is the forgotten AFL player going around at the moment.
"He kicks it elite, he's a 9.9 as a preparer, he's a money-ball for me.
"If clubs aren't enquiring about him, they're not doing their job."
Asked if Billings had acquired any interest from rival clubs this year, Connors replied; "Not enough."
There's been speculation about a move for Billings since May as his desire, obviously, is to play at the senior level. Regardless of any talk, though, Connors said Billings remains focussed on contributing to the Saints as much as he can.
"I think his number one focus is to be in that [Saints] team, and he's bloody close," Connors said.
The former top-end draft pick has played 155 games for St Kilda since debuting in 2014. His career-best season came in 2017 when he made 23 appearances for the Saints, averaging 23 disposals and a goal a game.
